In America, two out of three people are overweight or obese. Worldwide, it is estimated that the number of people affected has more than doubled since 1980. These are worrying figures that may not improve in the coming years, if we are to believe the forecasts and studies. The blame is always on too many calories and lack of exercise, but they are not the only culprits.

1. Antibiotics

Whether consumed for medical reasons or in the diet, there is compelling evidence of a link between antibiotics and obesity. Antibiotics are not necessary for many viral infections (colds, flu, etc.) for which they are often prescribed, but they may, of course, be necessary in case of serious bacterial infection. With prolonged and repeated use, these will only harm your health. In fact, they destroy the good bacteria of the intestine and the probiotics that are crucial to maintaining health. Poor intestinal flora leads to low-grade inflammation in the body, which contributes to excess weight. However, the primary source of antibiotic exposure is dietary.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (United States), 13,000 tons of antibiotics are consumed annually by farm animals, representing 80% of all antibiotics used in the United States. In animal husbandry, they are used to fight diseases, but especially to promote growth and weight gain in animals. Research has shown that the effects are identical on humans.

2. Other growth-promoting drugs for livestock

Many other products are used in animal husbandry to fatten livestock and can cause a lot of health damage. Ractopamine, for example, is used in cattle as a beta-agonist additive to obtain leaner, higher protein meat. Beta-agonists are doping chemicals, also present in asthma treatments, whose patients often complain of weight gain, moreover announced as side effects. Now banned in many countries, they are still commonly used in the United States, despite potential health risks that extend well beyond weight gain.

3. Endocrine disruptors

Bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, triclosan, agricultural pesticides, etc. Many household chemicals are (re)known as endocrine disruptors, many of which are found in plastic products. These chemicals, similar in structure to natural sex hormones, interfere with the normal functioning of the body. Endocrine disruptors are not only associated with infertility, early puberty or diabetes. In 2003, the journal Toxicological Sciences discussed the effects of endocrine disruptors on fetal development. In addition, many endocrine disruptors are used to promote weight gain in animals. Glyphosate, an agricultural chemical, also affects weight by obliterating healthy gut bacteria, in addition to promoting the harmful effects of other food and environmental chemicals.

4. Artificial sweeteners

A delicious low-calorie sweet taste that helps you lose weight? Unfortunately, this is not true! Studies have repeatedly shown that artificially sweetened foods (saccharin, aspartame...) tend to increase appetite, cravings, fat storage and weight gain. The researchers suggest that the fact that the sweet taste is not accompanied by the calories normally associated with sugar disrupts normal appetite mechanisms. These sweeteners also cause a variety of metabolic dysfunctions that promote weight gain. Weight problems can have many sources. Rather than focusing solely on the number of calories swallowed, it is fundamental to focus on the quality of your food and avoid chemical exposures. Buy organic food and prepare your own meals, opt for organic grass-fed meat to avoid genetically modified ingredients, hormones, antibiotics..., and store your food in glass, for example, to avoid endocrine disruptors as much as possible.