Research Reveals That Forever Chemicals May Be Linked to Weight Gain

Earlier this month, a study published in Obesity identified a link between weight gain and perfluorinated alkylate substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals, independent of dietary habits. Researchers used data from the Diet, Obesity, and Gens (DioGenes) European multicenter trial to analyze how exposure to PFAS can contribute to weight gain.

The study was conducted from 2006 to 2008 with patients across multiple European countries. For the first two months of the investigation, patients followed a strict diet, consuming only 800 kcal daily. At the end of the initial eight-week period, patients that had lost 8% or more of their initial weight were eligible to continue to the next portion of the study.

In the second part of the research, participants were randomized to one of five diets, depending on their individual needs. Patients were expected to maintain their diet with study resources for 26 weeks. In the final part of the study, the participants could follow the diet for another 26 weeks without study resources.

The researchers tested perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) concentrations.

An analysis revealed that the average PFOA concentration was 2.9 ng/mL. Based on the data, when PFOA plasma concentrations doubled, patients had an average 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) weight gain in the 26 weeks.

In addition, investigators noted that the average plasma concentration of PFHxS was approximately 1.0 ng/mL. As PFHxS concentrations doubled, weight increased by 0.9 kg (2.0 lb) within 26 weeks.

The researchers concluded, “The results suggest that PFOA and PFHxS may cause weight gain among people with obesity in weight loss programs. These pollutants deserve attention in public health efforts to control the obesity pandemic.”

Considering the rising rates of obesity, and the other major health issues associated with forever chemicals, regulatory measures to protect human health are necessary. Similar studies should be done globally, especially in areas like the United States, where obesity rates are rapidly rising.