Obesogens: Are Chemicals Making You Chubby? 🧐

The surprising connection between your waistline and everyday products that are everywhere!

So, you’ve cut the sugar, swapped soda for kombucha, and hit the gym harder than ever before, yet those stubborn pounds just won’t budge.  Your doctor looks at you, shrugs and says "welcome to your 30's/40's/50's".  What if there was a contributor to those pesky pounds right under your own roof?  And what if it is that fresh bottled mountain spring water, that scented candle that smells like fall, those pots & pans you got as a wedding gift?  What if those simple, pleasurable items that you love are actually part of the problem? Cue the theme from JAWS 🦈 : enter obesogens.

Now, before you roll your eyes and think this is just another health buzzword, or some new instacraze that is going to cost you lots of clicks and purchases, let’s discuss these sneaky little devils and why they’re messing with your body’s ability to stay trim—no matter how many burgers you swap for kale.

What Exactly Are Obesogens?

Imagine if toxins in your products and body fat had a secret love child—that’s obesogens. They’re chemicals that disrupt your body's normal metabolism, fat storage, and hormone balance, essentially turning your body into a fat-storage machine. Yup, these are the toxic frenemies hiding in plain sight, found in everything from your food packaging to personal care products. 🤯

They mess with your metabolism in a way that makes your body more likely to store fat, regardless of how much effort you put into eating well or working out. I know, this is a cruel and unusual joke, right?  Sadly, it is not.

Where Are These Sneaky Chemicals Hiding?

Here’s the kicker: obesogens are everywhere. And I mean everywhere. Before you run for the hills, or just give up & hit Ben & Jerrys, there are some fairly simple replacements that will rid your world of these newfound annoyances, and stat.

Plastic Packaging – The Everywhere Villain 🧴

We’ve all heard of BPA, the infamous chemical found in plastic bottles and food containers. But did you know it can disrupt your hormones, making you more prone to weight gain? BPA mimics estrogen but not in a good way and it can interfere with your normal estrogen signaling.  Beyond BPA there are other bisphenols like S, F, and B that can wreak similar havoc.

Pro tip:  Switch to glass or stainless steel containers.  Better for your waistline and the planet. 🌎  Check our Plastic Free Collection HERE.

Phthalates – The Smell-Good Saboteur 🕯️

That "fresh linen" or "ocean breeze" scent you love? It could be full of phthalates, chemicals that not only make your home smell like a tropical island but also mess with your endocrine system. Translation? Those lovely scents could be contributing to weight gain.

Pro tip: Opt for essential oils or fragrance-free products.  Swapping "mango-tango" for something more natural will only help your healthy vibes.  Try THIS diffuser!  THIS room & fabric freshener!  THESE refillable Candles!  

Pesticides – The Produce Problem 🍎

Here’s a plot twist: the very fruits and veggies that are supposed to keep you healthy might be covered in obesogens. Certain pesticides can act as endocrine disruptors, leading to—you guessed it—weight gain. So, while you’re crunching on that apple, it might be doing more than boosting your fiber intake.

Pro tip: Stick with organic produce when possible, we recommend being super strict with the Dirty Dozen. And get into the habit of washing your produce with a non-toxic produce wash or vinegar and water to remove residues.

Cookware – Non-Stick Stuck 🍳

We all love the convenience of a pan that doesn't stick, but is that really worth a middle section that sticks around?  Non-stick pans often contain perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical linked to—you guessed it—weight gain and other health issues.

Pro tip: Cast iron & stainless steel pans are the unsung heroes of your kitchen. They’re non-toxic, durable, and can double as a workout when you lift them. 💪  We love these Stainless Steel Stallions.

Flame + Water Retardants – Anti-Fat Fighters 🔥

Did you know your couch could be making you gain weight? Flame retardants, found in furniture, water repellents found in outdoor gear, stain resisters found in carpets have been linked to—you guessed it—obesogenic effects.  Gives the term couch potato a whole new meaning.

Pro tip: Look for furniture, furnishings, & gear that is free of these nasty chemicals, check labels for forever chemical free options. If you’ve got older furniture, consider vacuuming regularly with a HEPA filter to keep dust (and chemicals) at bay.

How Do Obesogens Actually Work?

Obesogens disrupt your body’s hormones—particularly the ones that control hunger, fat storage, and metabolism. By mimicking or blocking your hormones, they make your body store more fat and burn less energy. So even if you’re doing everything “right,” these chemicals are quietly working against you, turning your body into a fat hoarder, the very thing we all try to reverse. 😩

The Good News: You CAN Fight Back! 👊

Okay, so this may not have been the news you wanted to hear this lovely Tuesday morning, but when you know, you know, and there are plenty of ways to kick these toxic freeloaders out of your life. It’s all about making small, sustainable swaps:

• Switch to glass, stainless steel, or silicone food containers. (Bonus: your leftovers will taste better, too.) 🍲 
• Go organic when you can, especially with produce that is especially prone to pesticide absorption like strawberries and spinach. 🍓🥬
• Ditch the air fresheners and swap them for essential oil diffusers. 🌬
• Choose coating-free furniture and cookware— turn your couch and your cookware into your friends. 👯‍♀️
• Clean smarter by opting for natural cleaning products.  🧼

Saying Goodbye to Obesogens! 👋

Being clean + green in a world of chemicals that are tormenting our health and earth is no easy feat.  Now that you know about obesogens you have been granted the little known and powerful tool to take control of your health. With a few simple swaps, you can say goodbye to those sneaky chemicals and who knows, this may be THE simple solution to those stubborn pounds you've been desperately seeking.

So #livefree, and show those obesogens who’s boss! 💪

Written by:

Dana Grinnell, Founder of Free Living Co