Chemicals in plastic can cause weight gain

The food we eat every day has a huge impact on health, a new study shows that the chemicals in plastic packaging and packaging, when exposed to food, can lead to weight gain.

Head of the Department of Molecular Biology at the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (Germany) & colleagues at Leipzig University showed that di- (2-ethylhexyl) -phthalate (DEHP) chemicals cause hormonal imbalances in female mice and Stimulates weight gain, even when exposed in low concentrations.

DEHP is a phthalate compound , or plasticizer, added to plastics to make plastics more flexible, malleable and durable. In addition to being added to food packaging plastic, phthalate is also present in a number of children's toys, medical materials, vinyl flooring, adhesives and even some care products. Individuals like nail polish and shampoo.

Pregnant women exposed to phthalate may increase the risk of premature birth.

However, consumption of foods packed with phthalate-containing plastics is the most common route of exposure to this chemical. Many studies have linked phthalate exposure to some health problems.

In 2015, a study published in Medical News Today showed an association between di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) and di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP) phthalates with an increased risk of high blood pressure. Meanwhile, an earlier study also showed that pregnant women exposed to phthalate may increase the risk of premature birth.

A previous study also mentioned the potential for weight gain of phthalate compounds, but von Bergen and colleagues found the mechanism that led to this phenomenon.

DEHP exposure causes significant weight gain on female mice

The team tried to add a lot of DEHP concentrations to the mice's drinking water for 10 weeks and evaluated its effects on weight, compared with mice that were not exposed to DEHP.

Both groups were fed the same regimen for 10 weeks of study.

The scientists found that female mice exposed to DEHP had significant weight gain compared to non-exposed female mice. The weight gain was even quite clear in mice exposed to low concentrations, although no changes were observed in male mice.