Dr. Ahmed Key points
- Being around certain chemicals, called dioxins and DL-PCBs, may increase the risk of obesity. The research found that adults who were exposed to these chemicals were more likely to be obese.
- Among all the chemicals studied, the chemical 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-hpcdd had the closest connection to obesity.
- Research suggests that these chemicals may contribute to obesity partly by affecting how the body controls blood sugar levels, as measured by HbA1c.
- The study showed how environmental pollutants can harm our health. It supports the increasing evidence that exposure to containment in our environment leads to many health issues, including obesity.
- Reducing environmental pollution is vital. The authors suggest that we need policies and actions to stop dioxins and DL-PCBs from entering the environment.
Fight Obesity: Buy Organic Berberine Tea Bags
For a long time, scientists have been trying to understand why obesity is a growing problem worldwide. Nearly 16% of people aged 18 years or above had a BMI above 30, classifying them as obese [ref].
While we know that eating habits and exercise are important, new research suggests another possible reason which is pollution in our environment.
A recent study found a serious connection between being exposed to certain pollutants, called dioxins and DL-PCBs and having a higher risk of obesity.
These chemicals come from industrial activities, burning waste, and some manufacturing processes. They have spread into our environment, built up in the food chain, and can even get into our bodies.
Earlier studies suggested a link between individual dioxins and DL-PCBs and obesity, but this new research looks at how they affect us when combined, revealing a more complete and concerning picture.
Methodology and analysis
The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2003-2004. Researchers tested blood samples from 852 adults for nine types of dioxins and DL-PCBs.
Using advanced statistical models, including weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, generalised linear regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), they looked for connections between these chemicals and obesity.
The results were surprising and important. The study found that being exposed to mixtures of these chemicals increased the risk of obesity.
One chemical, called 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-hpcdd, was found to be especially closely linked to obesity. This means that some types of dioxins and DL-PCBs might be more harmful than others.
Researchers took their study a step further by including glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a marker of average blood sugar over time.
Their findings indicated that HbA1c might be involved in connecting dioxin/DL-PCB exposure to obesity. Simply put, these chemicals might partially influence obesity by interfering with blood sugar regulation.
Although this connection only contains a small portion (5.21% to 9.04%) of the overall effect, it sheds light on the potential mechanism at play.
Dioxins
Dioxins are persistent environmental pollutants (POPs). They are created as byproducts of certain industrial activities like waste incineration, chemical production, and bleaching paper [ref].
These compounds are extremely harmful and can cause many health problems in humans and animals. These include weakened immune systems, reproductive issues, developmental problems, and increased cancer risk.
They build up in the food chain, mainly in animal fats, and most people are exposed to them through their diet.
To tackle dioxin pollution, strict resolutions and better industrial practices are needed to reduce their release and protect our health and environment.
Dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs)
Dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) are a specific group of PCBs that mimic the harmful effects of dioxin.
They have a similar structure and operate through comparable mechanisms, notably their interaction with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which triggers toxic responses. DL-PCBs were once widely used in electrical equipment, paints and sealants and are still commonly found in the environment today [ref].
Despite being banned or limited in many countries, DL-PCBs remain in the environment, polluting soil, water, and food.
Long-term exposure to these chemicals has been linked with hormone disruption, developmental issues, and cancer risks, highlighting the urgent need for global effects to track and clean up DL-PCBs, minimizing their harm.
Why is this important?
This research leads to the growing evidence that environmental pollutants have a great impact on human health.
Dioxins and DL-PCBs are toxic chemicals that persist in the environment, accumulating in living things.
Exposure to these pollutants causes a range of health issues, such as immune system dysfunction, developmental issues, and certain cancers, and now obesity is also considered a potential health risk.
What can be done?
Although the results are alarming, they also highlight the need to continue reducing pollution. To minimise the release of harmful chemicals, we must enforce stricter regulations on industrial emissions and waste disposal.
On a personal level, limiting exposure can be difficult, but some ways to reduce your risk include:
- Consuming a balanced diet:
- Eating a variety of foods can help minimize exposure to pollutants, as different foods tend to contain different contaminants.
- Choosing lean meats and trimming visible fat:
- Since dioxins and DL-PCBs build up in fatty tissues, choosing leaner meats and removing visible fat can help reduce your exposure.
- Supporting policies that promote environmental protection:
- Support eco-friendly policies to reduce pollution.
