Is this chemical making your kids fat?

It can decrease your virility.

It could raise your risk of developing type-2 diabetes, and cancer.

It’s also been associated with cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders.

And here’s the latest bad news about this common chemical: It could be making your kids fat.

A new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association has found higher levels of obesity in kids who have more BPA in their bodies (and remember, BPA accumulates quite dramatically).

BPA may be an “obesogen”–a chemical that fools with your body’s metabolism and makes it harder to lose weight. Even if you’re following the rules of eating right and working out.

The study looked at almost 3,000 randomly selected kids aged 6 to 19. Researchers found that more than 22 percent of the kids with the highest levels of BPA in their urine were obese. Compare that with the 10 percent who had the lowest levels and you can see there’s a big problem here.

This is the first time an environmental chemical has been linked to childhood obesity in a large sample.

The researchers are calling for measures to limit our exposure to BPA. They think a great way to do this would be to remove it from aluminum cans. And they point out that there are alternatives manufacturers can use.

But I doubt anything will actually be done. At least not when it comes to regulation.

Despite the fact that the FDA finally banned BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups, they’re still desperately clinging to the claim that the chemical poses no risk.

Obviously, that’s simply not true. BPA isn’t just dangerous to babies and toddlers–exposure is dangerous for people of all ages.

Since the FDA won’t do anything about BPA, it’s up to us to watch over what we allow in our own kitchens.

Let’s face it…BPA is hard to avoid. You’ll find it in all sorts of food packaging…even the stuff that’s SUPPOSED to be healthy. But the good news is this: While the FDA might not be too concerned about getting BPA off the grocery store shelves, many companies are. You can find food in packages marked “BPA-free” in an increasing number of grocery stores.

Of course, your best bet is always to shoot for as little packaging as possible, since that will likely mean you’re filling your diet with fresh, healthful foods.

P.S. Have you been told to stay away from eggs? Keep reading!

Sources:
“Topical Pain Relievers May Cause Burns,” FDA (fda.gov)

“FDA Drug Safety Communication: Rare cases of serious burns with the use of over-the-counter topical muscle and joint pain relievers,” FDA (fda.gov)