By | May 30, 2025
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How To Avoid Obesogens

Obesogens are chemicals that may disrupt your hormones and metabolism, promoting fat storage and contributing to obesity. They can be found in plastics, pesticides, food additives, cosmetics, and even household dust. Here’s how to avoid obesogens in daily life:

🚫 1. Avoid Plastics with BPA and Phthalates

What to Do:

  • Choose BPA-free products, but be cautious—BPS and BPF (replacements) may be just as harmful.
  • Use glass, stainless steel, or ceramic containers, especially for hot food or drinks.
  • Never microwave plastic—even “microwave-safe” ones can leach chemicals.
  • Avoid cling wraps and plastic water bottles.

🥫 2. Limit Canned and Processed Foods

Why:

  • Many cans are lined with BPA or similar chemicals.
  • Processed foods can contain artificial additives and preservatives that act as obesogens.

What to Do:

  • Choose fresh or frozen foods.
  • Look for cans labeled BPA-free (but still be cautious).
  • Cook from scratch when possible.

💄 3. Clean Up Your Personal Care Products

Common Obesogens:

  • Phthalates (used in fragrances and plastics)
  • Parabens (preservatives)

What to Do:

  • Use fragrance-free or naturally scented products.
  • Choose products with short, recognizable ingredient lists.
  • Use apps like EWG’s Skin Deep or Think Dirty to vet products.

🧼 4. Reduce Household Chemical Exposure

What to Avoid:

  • Air fresheners, scented candles with synthetic fragrances, nonstick cookware (Teflon), and harsh cleaners.

What to Do:

  • Use natural cleaning products (vinegar, baking soda, castile soap).
  • Open windows and vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce chemical-laden dust.
  • Use cast iron or stainless steel cookware.

🌱 5. Choose Organic When Possible

Why:

  • Many pesticides and herbicides (e.g., atrazine, DDT derivatives) act as obesogens.

What to Do:

  • Prioritize organic for the “Dirty Dozen” fruits/vegetables.
  • Wash all produce thoroughly, even organic.

🐄 6. Be Smart About Meat and Dairy

Concerns:

  • Growth hormones, antibiotics, and chemical residues in conventionally raised livestock.

What to Do:

  • Choose grass-fed, hormone-free, organic meats and dairy.
  • Eat less processed meat.

🍼 7. Pay Attention to Infant & Early Childhood Products

  • Babies and kids are more vulnerable to obesogens.
  • Use glass baby bottles, avoid plastic toys with PVC, and use gentle, non-toxic baby products.

📱 8. Stay Informed

  • Obesogen research is evolving. Stay updated through trusted sources like:
    • Environmental Working Group (EWG)
    • National Institutes of Health (NIH)
    • Peer-reviewed health journals