Up until now everyone thought that only overindulging in food and lack of physical activity were the only reasons behind weight gain and obesity, but research says, there’s more than what meets the eye! Like literally! There’s a new threat to your weight loss goals – microplastics! Studies have shown that microplastics can increase absorption of fat by approximately 145%! We all know that carrying around excess body weight increases a person’s risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and even certain types of cancer, and microplastics can increase the percentage of body fat and increase the risk of all these health issues. In fact, the travel coffee cup and lid that you sip your favorite espresso from can be a reason behind your obesity! So, how to find out if microplastics are the reason behind your weight gain? Let’s find out:
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic, less than 5 mm in size, that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items. They can be found in products such as cosmetics, cleaning products, clothing, to even the air we breathe. Microplastics are also found in the environment, including oceans, rivers, and soil.
How Microplastics Cause Obesity?
You would be surprised that microplastics can enter your body through different sources and play havoc with your metabolism and act as endocrine disruptors, mimicking hormones, and altering the way cells function. Microplastics reach our body through processed food, food packaging, bottled water and drinks, cosmetics, and even polluted air. Microplastics interfere with metabolism, affecting how the body stores and burns fat. They promote growth of fat cells by reprogramming precursor cells to actually become fat cells to store more fat in the body! They also induce oxidative stress, additionally carrying along endocrine disruptors like BPA and phthalates. Also read: “9 Ways To Avoid Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals That Lead to Obesity.”
So, let’s see what are the common sources of microplastics:
1. Bottled water
2. Processed food
3. Contaminated Water
4. Air and Dust
5. Packaged Drinks and Beverages
6. Cosmetics
7. Synthetic textiles
8. Seafood
9. Sea Salt
10. Food packaging made out of plastic such as yogurt containers and disposable cups. Also read: “55 Little Things That Leads To Weight Gain and Obesity.”
How Can We Reduce the Risk of Obesity Linked to Microplastic Exposure?
Cut down the intake of microplastics in food by opting for minimally processed foods, selecting eco-friendly packaging, reducing consumption of bottled water, and switching to glass or stainless steel water bottles instead of plastic ones. Implementing these important steps will help cut down the amount of microplastics from entering your body and help to lose weight as well. And to successfully lose weight and trim that waistline, diet plans on the Rati Beauty diet are there to help!
9 Ways To Avoid Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals That Lead to Obesity
55 Little Things That Leads To Weight Gain and Obesity
