Weight gain through plasticizers

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-01/hcfe-wgt011816.php

Public Release: 18-Jan-2016
Weight gain through plasticizers
Researchers find the metabolic pathways responsible
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ

Plasticisers such as phthalates are always found in plastics. They can get into our bodies through the skin or by the diet. They affect our hormone system and are suspected of having an influence on our body weight. The exact correlations and mechanisms have been unclear thus far. In cooperation with the Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB) Adiposity Diseases at the University of Leipzig and the University Hospital Leipzig, researchers from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) have now published a study in the PLOS ONE journal showing that the phthalate DEHP leads to weight gain and revealed the metabolic processes involved.

•••••

"Because every kilo over the ideal weight increases the medical risk of cardiovascular disease, joint damage, chronic inflammation and cancer and the number of overweight people is constantly increasing all over the world." The development of overweight has many causes: in addition to bad dietary habits and a lack of exercise, genetic factors doubtlessly play a role. Certain environmental pollutants, e.g. phthalates, may also be partly responsible for the development of overweight. "Correlations between increased phthalate concentrations in the human body and the development of overweight have already been proven in epidemiological studies and should be analysed in more detail" von Bergen said.

•••••

Phthalates are used as plasticisers in polymer processing to make plastics soft, flexible or tensile. Under certain conditions, phthalates can also emerge from the material and be uptaken into our bodies most prominently by our diet. Phthalates are mainly transferred from the food packaging of fatty products, e.g. cheese or sausages.

•••••