How everyday Chemicals may affect your Weight + Hormones
with some tips about prevention
My aim as always is to increase awareness and empower you, by providing the best scientific evidence as well as suggest meaningful supports.
This is a very controversial topic.
You already know that what you eat and how much you move can influence your weight and metabolic health, but did you know that the containers your food comes in could also play a role ?
Let’s talk Bisphenol A (BPA)
A growing body of research shows that certain chemicals found in plastics — especially BPA (bisphenol A) and its many relatives — can disrupt your hormones, metabolism, and even your ability to burn fat.
These substances are called endocrine disruptors, and they’ve been linked to weight gain, Insulin resistance, and inflammation.
Individuals working in fields such as Construction, Home Renovation, Painting and Decorating, Manufacturing, Automotive, Agriculture, Horticulture, Hairdressing, Beauty, and Supermarket checkout roles are often exposed daily to various toxins, frequently in a repetitive manner.
This leads to a process called “bio-accumulation.”
Understanding how these exposures impact the body and adopting scientifically grounded strategies can help mitigate potential health risks and promote health.
The above is a very bold statement !
It was sourced from a 2024 study published in Nature Communications and referred to specifically Mothers and sons . It was based on a large body of work with two large birth cohorts and proposed the potential biological mechanism for altered brain development.
The good news is that small changes in your daily choices can reduce your exposures and support your body’s natural inbuilt detoxification systems.
So what Are BPA and BPP ?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used in making plastics and resins, such as food and drink containers, cans and thermal receipts. Most people are exposed to it daily.
In a recent European study over 90% of adults tested have detectable levels in their urine.
BPA can mimic hormones in the body, which may influence weight, metabolism, and other health outcomes.
BPA (Bisphenol A): Common in food containers, bottles, canned food linings, and medical tubing.
BPP (a BPA substitute): Increasingly used in “BPA-free” products which are “greenwashed”, but evidence shows it can have similar harmful effects so take care when labels boast “BPA free” read them carefully.
How Do They Enter Your Body ?
Mainly through dietary ingestion, especially when food is stored or heated in plastic.
Studies show BPA has been found in urine, blood, breast milk and even fat tissue in people worldwide.
Korean studies have detected bisphenol A (BPA) in the breast milk of mothers and identified diet and consumer products as significant sources of exposure,(study below).
A 2020 study involving 221 first-time mothers in South Korea detected BPA in 25.8% to 88.2% of breast milk samples, with median concentrations between 0.12 and 1.47 µg/L.
The breast milk samples as well as surveys were collected from 221 first-time mothers throughout South Korea and each sample was analyzed for the presence of 15 different proven endocrine disruptors.
Phthalate metabolites were detected in 5.4-83.3% of the samples, with median concentrations of 0.08-1.72 μg/L,
Bisphenol A, parabens, and triclosan (an antimicrobial agent in some personal care products, soaps, toothpastes and cosmetics) were detected in 25.8-88.2% of the samples, with median concentrations of 0.12-1.47 μg/L.
High levels of endocrine disruptors were suggested to be associated with:
frequent consumption of fish and cup noodles;
the use of plastic and disposable food containers;
the use of air fresheners, lotions and make-up
the purchase of new furniture
Socioeconomic status
Personal care products often stored in plastics.
The researchers also observed the positive contribution of moderate walking activity on the reduction of these chemicals in breast milk which is encouraging.
How BPA Affects Weight and Hormones
Hormone Disruption
BPA interferes with how cholesterol is converted into sex hormones (like estrogen and testosterone) and stress hormones (like cortisol).
This imbalance can affect metabolism, fertility, and energy.
Metabolism & Blood Sugar
BPA increases glucose production in the liver and reduces insulin sensitivity.
This raises blood sugar and promotes fat storage — a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
BPA raises leptin levels and creates leptin dysregulation, (see below)
Fat Storage
BPA promotes lipogenesis — the process of turning sugar into fat.
Fat tends to build up in the liver, pancreas, and muscles, increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Inflammation & Appetite
BPA raises levels of leptin, the hormone that normally tells us we’re full.
Chronically high leptin causes resistance, so your brain no longer gets the “I’m satisfied” message. This fuels hunger, overeating, and ongoing inflammation.
One large meta-analysis of nearly 4,800 people found that every 1 nanogram/mL increase in BPA in the blood was linked to an 11% higher risk of obesity.
In a Canadian research study “Urinary bisphenol A and obesity in adults: results from the Canadian Health Measures Survey” published in Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada (2017).
The study analysed data from 4,733 Canadian adults aged 18 to 79 years, collected between 2007 and 2011.
It is the first major human study to explore whether exposure to bisphenol A (BPA)——is linked with obesity and body fat measures.
Key Findings
Higher BPA, higher obesity risk: People with the highest BPA levels in their urine were about 1.5 times more likely to be obese compared to those with the lowest levels.
Body size and shape: BPA levels were linked to higher body mass index (BMI) and larger waist circumference.
Not explained by lifestyle alone: These associations remained even after accounting for diet, junk food, alcohol use, smoking, and physical activity.
No strong link to central obesity (defined by waist cut-offs), though BPA was still tied to larger waist size overall.
Consistent with global research: Similar findings have been reported in the U.S., China, and Korea, strengthening the evidence that BPA may play a role in obesity.
This makes BPA a “environmental obesogen”— a chemical that increases the risk of weight gain.
Obesity also significantly increases your risk of developing Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) .
Fat in the liver can cause inflammation, which may lead to the development of fibrosis and cirrhosis. Fat in the liver also hinders detoxification so we see a vicious cycle of toxic burden inflammation fatty liver and reduced detox = more inflammation.
Due to the rising epidemic of obesity in the western world, the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is rapidly increasing and is overtaking hepatitis C as the leading indication for Liver Transplantation.
Insights form my work as the Liver Transplant Coordinator at the Australian National Liver Transplant Unit… Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Australia.
In 2003, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) accounted for less than 5% of the liver transplant waitlist, adults and children.
By 2015, NAFLD became the leading indication for liver transplantation due to irreversible liver damage.
NAFLD surpassed other causes such as cirrhosis, fibrosis, hepatitis, and liver cancer in both adult and pediatric populations.
Advanced fibrosis in liver disease results in diminished regenerative capacity of hepatic tissue.
Optimal liver health is essential for healthy detoxification and overall good health. The following graphic illustrates what can happen with impaired liver function (in this instance viewing a paediatric perspective)
Environmental toxins, high fructose corn syrup, poor western diet are all contributors.
TIP 1 : Avoid frequent overconsumption of food and alcohol, if you have liver disease risk factors including raised liver enzymes and established fatty liver.
TIP 2 : Tidy up your diet and become the gatekeeper of your own mouth, with knowledge. If you do have liver damage, work with your practitioner to come up with a healthy protocol suitable to you. Understand your “why”
TIP 3 : Over consumption of incorrect supplements also has the capacity to hurt your liver.
I like to dig deep when working with patients to understand their “why”
Below is a recent Toxin and Mineral Analysis demonstrating raised Mercury, Lead and Aluminium levels, a picture I now see commonly.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
I urge you to take a proactive step in safeguarding your health by addressing some functional testing for toxins and metabolic mapping.
This is particularly relevant if you are planning on starting a family.
If you work in Construction, Manufacturing, Automotive, Agriculture, Hairdressing, the Beauty industry, or Supermarket checkouts, your likely have daily exposure to substances that may harm yours or your family’s health.
This is not all bad news as each of us has unique genetic factors affecting our ability to clean, detoxify and eliminate these toxins, which makes personalized testing, knowledge and detoxification appropriate.
There is no one size fits all.
DETOX TIPS to incorporate the following
1. Reduce Exposure
Choose glass, porcelain, or stainless-steel containers, especially for hot foods and drinks.
Avoid heating or storing food in plastic.
Take the plastic lid off hot drinks
Look for BPA-free AND BPP-free products.
Minimize canned foods and personal care products unless labelled BPA-free.
Cook with fresh, frozen, or dried ingredients where possible.
2. Support Detox & Gut Health
Daily bowel movements are key — toxins can otherwise re-circulate.
Certain probiotic strains (e.g., Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus casei) may help reduce BPA + environmental toxin absorption and promote elimination.
Fiber-rich foods (vegetables, legumes, whole grains) help bind and remove toxins.
Optimise your microbiome with targeted microbial testing and rebalancing.
3. Boost Liver Detoxification
Milk thistle (silymarin): Supports liver function, reduces insulin resistance, and helps the body clear BPA. This is dose dependant, liver function dependent and individual dependant.
Glutathione: A powerful antioxidant that binds to toxins and prepares them for excretion. We all have differing requirements genetically here.
Prioritise a diet rich in organic produce, minimise consumption
of alcohol and large fish like tuna or swordfish,
4. Think Holistically
Optimise your gut microbiome, liver health, and digestion.
Assess your levels and your metabolic and liver function with your healthcare provider if you struggle with unexplained weight gain, fatigue, or irregular cycles.
Below is a sample toxic metals testing via urine sample post detoxification
START THINKING LOW TOX LIVING
References
Rochester JR. Bisphenol A and human health: A review of the literature. Reprod Toxicol. 2013; 42:132–155.
Liu B, et al. Association between bisphenol A exposure and risk of obesity: a meta-analysis. Environ Health Perspect. 2017;125(8):086002.
Rubin BS. Bisphenol A: An endocrine disruptor with widespread exposure and multiple effects. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2011;127(1–2):27–34.
Vandenberg LN, et al. Human exposure to bisphenol A (BPA). Reprod Toxicol. 2007;24(2):139–177.
Urinary bisphenol A and obesity in adults: results from the Canadian Health Measures Survey” published in Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada (2017). Minh Do et al, 2017
Ju Hee Kim 1, Dohyeong Kim 2, Seung-Min Moon 3, Eun Jung Yang 4 2020 Jun:249:126149.
doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126149.Epub 2020 Feb
Associations of lifestyle factors with Phalate Metabolites, bisphenol A, parabens and triclosan concentrations in breast milk of Korean mothers.