Then they exposed the tissues to BHT, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical found in some cookware, and tributyltin (TBT), a compound found in paint that could make its way into water and build up in seafood.
The researchers discovered that exposure to the chemicals damaged the hormones that communicate between the gut tissue and the brain tissues. That messes with the satiety signals your gut sends to your brain when you’re full—which, when working properly, would stop you from overeating.
The effects were strongest with BHT, but the combination of all three chemicals was even more robust, the scientists said in a statement. In fact, the findings may provide a critical understanding of a possible factor contributing to the current obesity epidemic.
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This isn’t the first time concerns have been raised about these so-called endocrine disrupters. In fact, there are ongoing efforts in place to remove BHT from breakfast cereals, the authors write. Back in 2015, General Mills stated it was removing the chemical from its cereal products.
Still, more research needs to be done to determine just how much these chemicals may be fueling our growing problem with obesity. In the meantime, if you want to drop some pounds, try these 10 ways to lose weight without even trying. (For more weight loss news delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our Daily Dose newsletter.)
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