Obesogens: Poser Hormones that Make You Fat

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You’ve spinned your ass off.
You’ve tried every crash diet in the book.
And the Master Cleanse turned you into an insane bitch for the whole 36 hours you were able to stand drinking maple syrup.
Though you’re fully prepared to throw in the towel and accept the idea that you were born to rock the muffin top, you might want to stop blaming your diet.
It could just be the toxins, babe.
Studies have shown that the increased use of synthetic chemicals in the U.S. between 1930 and 2000 directly correlates with the increase in obesity in adults. Coincidence? I don’t think so, missy. There is even a term for chemicals that promote obesity: obesogens. Yes, all together now…obesogens.
Obesogens are endocrine disruptors – chemicals that mimic hormones and mess up the physiologic function of these hormones – that reprogram your metabolism to build and store fat.
Fucking Christ.
Obesogens can include:

• Pesticides
• Food and cosmetic preservatives
• Parabens
• Preservatives added to food to prevent spoilage such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
• Birth control pills
• Bisphenol A (BPA)
• Phthalates, a plastic softener found in conventional products like nail polish, shampoo, and soap

Science for Dummies
You’re constantly being exposed to these toxins. So while you’re diligently spending hours at the gym and watching what you eat, your body is likely busy storing obesogens in your fatty tissues. Then when you finally start to lose some weight, these nasty chemicals are released into the bloodstream, reducing the effect of the thyroid and resulting in a decreased metabolism. Aside from sitting in your fatty tissues, other side effects include fatigue, depression, insomnia, nervousness, damage to the reproductive system and even cancer.
Are you a Hoarder?
The end result is that your body hoards calories instead of burning them, which is fine if you’re on a deserted island, but not so much if you’re trying to slim down for your high school reunion. So what can you do instead of throwing in the towel and scarfing down an entire bag of double-stuffed Oreos? First and foremost is to make lifestyle choices that reduce exposure to obesogens.
While we hit on many of the below, like, all the damn time, it’s important to stress how important it is to rid yourself of these toxins in your home, beauty products and food. It’s all about baby steps.
Buy organic fruits and vegetables. Conventional farmers spray all sorts of pesticides and insecticides on fruits and vegetables to get them nice and plump and ready for the usual 1,500-mile journey to your local grocer. Remember pesticides are obesogens. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimates that by avoiding the most contaminated produce and only eating the cleanest, you can cut your pesticide exposure by 80 percent.
Purchase toxic-free cleaning and personal care products. This is a big undertaking and could take a year to start exercising off your bad habits. For a list of less toxic household cleaning products, visit The Green Guide. Again, the EWG pulls through for you on grading your favorite cosmetics, too. Go to Cosmetics Database and type in brands you’re curious about to see how they match up.
Use glass instead of plastic for food storage. Plastics are often lined with the hazardous endocrine disruptor, BPA, while reusable containers and Tupperware are “softened” with phthalates. Both are obesogens that can leach from plastics into our food and wreak havoc on our bodies. Opt for glass, which is more durable, better for your health and easier to recycle when its time is up. Avoid products like PVC shower curtains, raincoats, backpacks and vinyl flooring, which can also be made with phthalates.
Skip the Styrofoam. You’re used to hearing that Styrofoam is bad for the environment. Bingo. Well it’s also a synthetic material that leaks obesogens, like styrene and benzene, into your bloodstream. When ordering to-go or taking leftovers, bring your own BPA-free reusable containers to pack up food. Waiters may look at you funny, but hey, sometimes you have to be the butt of a joke to save the planet.
Avoid high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Lower your sugar intake and use more natural sugars like evaporated cane juice crystals and agave nectar. HFCS increases abdominal fat and triglycerides. No good.
Fight the fragrance. Don’t buy products that contain “fragrance,” which is just a code name for hundreds of synthetic chemicals that do not have to be disclosed. Look for fragrances derived from essential oils or unscented household and beauty products.
Fill up on fiber. And lastly, you can reduce your toxic load by increasing your fiber intake (try ground flax seeds or flax seed oil), eating foods rich in vitamin C and supporting liver function with milk thistle, Oregon grape root and dandelion tea.
One step at a time, bitch. 
Susan Emmer, FOOD Feature Editor
Susan is a certified whole health educator and coach treading on both wellness and green terrain. Earning an environmental studies degree before green was the new black, Susan is the co-owner of the boutique sustainability marketing and PR firm, Farmacy Agency. Check out her blog at www.susanemmer.com