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Americans are getting fatter and fatter. Since the mid-seventies, the number of people who are overweight or obese has more than doubled.

Obesity has become the second leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. It also increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions. According to the American Obesity Association “No human condition — not race, religion, gender, ethnicity or disease state — compares to obesity in prevalence and prejudice, mortality and morbidity, sickness and stigma.” Although there is a concerted national effort to reduce obesity, current data indicate that the situation is worsening rather than improving.

We know that genetics and lifestyle play key roles in our weight, but a growing body of research is demonstrating that the chemicals in our environment, in everyday products, may play into the growing waistlines of Americans. It is yet another example of why we need to act with precaution and avoid unnecessary chemical exposures.

The list of chemicals that may be linked to obesity currently includes heavy metals, solvents, PCBs, organophosphates, phthalates, and bisphenol-A. Use the following steps to reduce exposure.



Easy Steps

Shop Smart

• Go PVC-free. Phthalates are frequently used to soften PVC (vinyl) products. If a vinyl product is flexible, it probably contains phthalates unless the label specifically says it does not.
• Read Labels. Particularly in cosmetics and other personal care products, avoid “fragrance,” DEHP, BzBP or benzylbutyl phthalate, DBP or di-n-butyl phthalate, DEP or diethyl phthalate, and DMP or dimethyl phthalate.
• Choose chlorine-free products and unbleached paper products

Purge Pesticides

• Buy food grown locally, in season and organic if possible. Peel non-organic fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid pesticide use; use non-toxic alternatives. Avoid areas freshly sprayed with pesticides.

Be Prudent with Plastics

• Heat food in ceramic or glass in the microwave; never in plastic.
• Avoid plastic cling wrap or eliminate its direct contact with food.
• Give children natural materials (wood, cloth, etc.) to play with and chew on instead of plastic.
• Reduce your use of plastics in general; use glass containers, wax paper, etc.

 
Minimize Heavy Metal Exposure

• Wash your hands (and your children’s hands) often, and always before eating.
• Dust with a moist rag regularly, especially on windowsills.
• Wash children’s toys regularly.
• Run cold (not hot) water taps for a few minutes after long periods of disuse to flush out lead-contaminated water.
• Get your soil tested for lead, especially where kids play and vegetables are grown.
• Consult renovation experts or your local health department on proper removal of lead paint.
• Ask your dentist for porcelain, gold, or composite fillings instead of mercury amalgam.

 
Eat Well

• Eat lower on the food chain (more plants, nuts and seeds; less meat, fish and dairy).
• Follow local fish consumption guidelines.
• Heat cold water instead of using hot tap water for cooking.
• Choose low-fat meat and dairy.
• Make food from scratch instead of relying on heavily processed and packaged foods.

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