Research Warns a Common Pesticide May Contribute to Global Obesity Crisis

(Newswire.net — December 9, 2022) Orlando, FL — Obesity is undeniably one of the most dangerous and highly prevalent conditions today. It is worth noting that there are many factors found to contribute to this condition.

A study spearheaded by McMaster University scientists has shown that a pesticide that is commonly used today could be partially behind the obesity epidemic today. 

This pesticide is called chlorpyrifos, which is usually used on foods and is banned in Canada. However, in other parts of the world, it is sprayed on fruits and vegetables.  

Researchers found that this pesticide slows down calorie burning in the brown adipose tissue of mice. It is worth noting that diet-induced thermogenesis, which pertains to lessening the burning of calories, triggers the body to store extra calories and promote obesity. 

The findings of this interesting research were published in Nature Communications. 

The researchers looked into 34 commonly used pesticides and herbicides in brown fat cells and then tested the impacts of chlorpyrifos in mice fed high-calorie diets. 

“Brown fat is the metabolic furnace in our body, burning calories, unlike normal fat that is used to store them. This generates heat and prevents calories from being deposited on our bodies as normal white fat. We know brown fat is activated during cold and when we eat,” said senior author Gregory Steinberg.

Steinberg is a professor of medicine and co-director of the Centre for Metabolism, Obesity, and Diabetes Research at McMaster.

“Lifestyle changes around diet and exercise rarely lead to sustained weight loss. We think part of the problem may be this intrinsic dialing back of the metabolic furnace by chlorpyrifos.”

The findings further added that chlorpyrifos would only have to inhibit energy use in brown fat by 40 calories on a daily basis to trigger obesity in adults. It is worth stressing this would translate to an extra five lbs of weight gain per year.

Studies looking into the remedies helpful in warding off obesity continue to pile up. It is important to always keep in mind that this condition increases the odds of many other chronic diseases.

Time and again researchers recommend taking some measures helpful in managing a healthy weight. The right diet combined with regular exercise could produce remarkable weight management benefits. 

There are all-natural remedies like the use of L-Carnitine found to be helpful. It enhances energy levels and helps the body shed extra fat. It is used widely today through extra-strength formulas like Divine Bounty L-Carnitine. (amazon.com/dp/B06XF7K9MM).