Vulnerable Populations

Vulnerable Populations:

BPA is found in many of our products, and has been positively associated with obesity. This is because BPA acts as an Endocrine Disruptor. In addition to BPA and its positive association to obesity, phthalates, atrazine, and Perfxuorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) are all common chemicals that we come into contact with almost everyday, and which also can cause obesity. 

In terms of obesity prevention, little attention has been give to reducing these chemicals within our food and other products, but has rather been focused on increasing physical activity and improved dietary habits. Although this can, and has produced positive results in combatting obesity, it would also seem prudent to reduce our chemical exposure to chemicals contributing to obesity.

As to why there is little to no attempt at reducing obesogenic chemicals in food and other products, I imagine much of that reason lies with money. If manufacturers had to find alternative chemicals to use, which do not cause obesity or other health maladies, it may cost them more to produce their products. Consequently, these manufacturers would loose profits. This loss of profit may be the culprit as to the reason for why there are few attempts at reducing obesogenic chemicals.

In addition, I feel that the knowledge of obesogenic chemicals is not widespread among the general public. This would have the affect of ignorance, where most of us remain blissfully unaware that other factors contribute to our battles with weight-gain. Therefore, it may simply be necessary for more people to help spread awareness of these obesogenic chemicals that could possibly lead to more efforts to reduce people's exposure to obesogenic chemicals.