A Surprising Reason for Stubborn Weight Gain

by Chris D. Meletis, ND

Over the last two to three decades, the prevalence of adults who have a body mass index (BMI) greater than normal has risen dramatically in wealthy industrialized countries, and also in poorer underdeveloped nations.¹ In the United States, more than 60 percent of adults either have a body mass index (BMI) greater than normal or are overweight.² Similar statistics have been reported for many European countries, the Middle East, Australia and China.³

While many factors may contribute to being overweight, one of the most surprising factors to emerge is the exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants. For a number of years, researchers have proposed that there is an association between endocrine disrupting chemicals and weight management issues. Then a paper published in 2002 demonstrated that the epidemic of weight gain coincided with the marked increase of industrial chemicals in the environment over the past 40 years.⁴ The author of the paper further pointed out that alterations in food intake and/or decrease in physical activity could not solely explain the current trend of being overweight. She referred to studies where chemicals including pesticides, organophosphates, polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated biphenyls, phthalates, bisphenol A, heavy metals, and some solvents were linked to weight gain, and proposed that these toxic compounds were interfering with weight homeostasis by altering weight-controlling hormones, altering sensitivity to neurotransmitters, or altering activity of the sympathetic nervous system.⁴

Toxins and Weight Gain

There is a steadily accumulating amount of evidence to link environmental toxins to being overweight. For example, consuming farmed salmon, which often contains persistent organic pollutants, has been found to be linked to subpar insulin sensitivity and accumulation of visceral fat in mice. In contrast, mice fed farmed salmon with reduced concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) had less body burdens of persistent organic pollutants, accumulated less visceral fat, and had reduced macrophage infiltration in adipose tissue compared to mice fed the salmon with reduced levels of POPs. Mice fed the farmed salmon with reduced concentrations of the pollutants further exhibited better insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance than mice fed the farmed salmon that contained higher concentrations of the pollutants.

The researchers concluded that the intake of farmed salmon containing persistent organic pollutants contributes to several metabolic concerns linked to suboptimal blood sugar metabolism and being overweight.⁵

The effects that environmental toxins have on weight begin very early in life. Recent epidemiological studies have shown that exposure to environmental pollutants while in the womb is associated with being overweight and having excessive body mass index later in life. Research has linked exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) during the prenatal period and early in life to increased weight in boys and girls at puberty.^6-11

It’s impossible to avoid daily exposure to environmental toxins. Some of the many chemicals individuals are exposed to frequently including phthalates, parabens, PCBs and BPA have been linked to being overweight. These chemicals have been called “obesogens” based on the idea that they inappropriately regulate lipid metabolism and fat cell production, promoting weight gain.¹²

Everyday Exposure

Unlike environmental toxins such as DDT and other chlorinated compounds, which accumulate in the body because of their fat-soluble nature, phthalates and parabens do not stay long in the body, but still cause toxic effects during the time they are present.¹³ These toxic effects are made worse by the fact that people are exposed to these compounds daily through the use of bath and body products including lotions, soaps and make up, and some medications. Phthalates are also used in food preservation, and are commonly found in foods and household dust. Parabens are dermally absorbed and have estrogenic effects.

One of the ways in which phthalates are thought to play a role in weight gain is through their ability to activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), which play a role in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.¹⁴

Furthermore, when pregnant rats were exposed to butylparaben, diisobutyl phthalate or other endocrine disrupting chemicals from gestation day 7 to 21, butylparaben and diisobutyl phthalate reduced plasma leptin levels in male and female offspring. Diisobutyl phthalate additionally resulted in subpar fetal plasma insulin sensitivity.¹⁵

Phthalates role in weight concerns may also be linked to the chemical’s ability to produce imbalanced testosterone levels. Low testosterone in adult human males has been associated with increased prevalence of being overweight, imbalanced insulin sensitivity and suboptimal blood sugar metabolism.¹⁶

Prevalent in the Food Supply

Bisphenol A (BPA) is another chemical linked to being overweight. Detectable levels of BPA are found in most Americans due to its widespread use in the manufacture of food and drink packaging and even in cash register receipts.^17,3 It is used in the manufacture of numerous products and has been shown to leach from the linings of food cans,¹⁸ polycarbonate baby bottles and other beverage containers,¹⁹ and dental sealants and composites,²⁰ suggesting that humans are routinely exposed to this chemical. Studies also have reported measurable BPA levels in human urine,²¹ serum,²² breast milk,²³ and maternal and fetal plasma, amniotic fluid and placental tissues.^24-25

BPA is suspected of having endocrine and metabolic effects in animals and humans. Recently, researchers measured the urinary BPA concentrations, body mass index, and waist circumference in 2,747 adults (aged 18-74), using pooled data from the 2003/04 and 2005/06 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Relative to those with the lowest BPA levels, participants with the highest BPA levels were more likely to be classified as having a very high body mass index. Higher BPA concentration was also associated with abdominal fat.²⁶

Furthermore, in vitro studies further support BPA’s potential role in the development of excess weight and moreover suggest specific reasons why it may have this effect. For example, BPA causes 3T3-L1 cells (mouse fibroblast cells that can differentiate into fat cells known as adipocytes) to increase their rate of differentiation,²⁷ and, in combination with insulin, accelerates adipocyte formation.^28-29 Low doses of BPA also have been shown to impair calcium signaling in pancreatic alpha cells, disrupt beta cell function and cause insulin inefficiency.^30-31 Low environmentally relevant doses of BPA have also been reported to inhibit synthesis of adiponectin, a protein hormone that influences a number of metabolic processes including glucose regulation and fatty acid breakdown.³² Typically, the higher the adiponectin levels, the lower the body fat percentage.

In vitro studies also have shown that BPA stimulates the release of inflammatory adipokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) from human fat tissue, suggesting that BPA is involved in excess weight gain and the related metabolic syndrome.^32-33

Persistent Organic Pollutants

Another class of persistent organic pollutants known as organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have also been linked to excessive weight gain. In one study, researchers determined if low dose persistent organic pollutants predicted future adiposity, imbalanced lipid levels and insulin inefficiency among controls with healthy blood sugar metabolism. They followed subjects for 20 years beginning in 1987-88 after measuring the levels of pesticides in the subjects’ bodies. They found 8 organochlorine (OC) pesticides,²² polychlorinated biphenyls, and 1 polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) at the beginning of the study. Twenty years later in 2005-2006, the researchers found that higher levels of the chemicals predicted higher body mass index, imbalanced triglycerides and insulin inefficiency as well as imbalanced HDL cholesterol at year 20 after adjusting for baseline values.³⁴

The researchers concluded that simultaneous exposure to various persistent organic pollutants in the general population may contribute to development of being overweight, imbalanced lipid levels and insulin inefficiency, common precursors of suboptimal blood sugar metabolism and poor cardiovascular health. Although excess weight gain is a primary cause of these metabolic concerns, the researchers concluded, exposure to persistent organic pollutants may contribute to weight management issues and other features of imbalanced metabolism.³⁴

One of the targets of endocrine disrupting chemicals is thought to be adipocytes (fat cells).^4,35-36 In vitro studies have shown that environmental chemicals have disruptive effects on normal adipocyte development as well as on homeostatic control of adipogenesis, the process by which preadipocytes become adipocytes.^37-38

Weight Management in a Toxic World

Based on the role that environmental chemicals play in weight management issues, a two-step approach to dieting is needed. The first step is to develop an effective weight management regimen. The second step is to minimize exposure to any toxins stored in the body while undergoing this weight management program.

One effective weight management tool in regards to reducing visceral fat is Glycyrrhiza glabra found in Glabrinex®. Animal studies demonstrated that overweight mice fed a high-fat diet plus Glycyrrhiza glabra flavonoid oil showed a decrease in body weight gain, weight of abdominal fat tissue and the size of the fat cells.³⁹ In one study, overweight human subjects were supplemented with Glycyrrhiza glabra flavonoid oil for 8 weeks. The results revealed a significant reduction in fat mass compared to the levels at the beginning of the study as well as a significant decrease in body weight, body mass index (BMI) and abdominal fat mass.⁴⁰

Balancing leptin levels is also important in order to achieve weight management goals. Leptin controls the storage of energy and its mobilization and utilization within the body by communicating with the brain about how much energy (fat) the cells have stored, whether the cells need more, or whether they should burn some off, as well as whether it is an advantageous time, nutritionally speaking, for the cells to reproduce.⁴¹ In short, leptin is the way that fat tissues speak to the brain to let the brain know how much stored energy is available and, very importantly, what to do with it.

Modified cellulose and cetylated (esterified) fatty acids (LeptinX™) are important to support balanced leptin levels. One study found that supplementation with modified cellulose and cetylated fatty acids or placebo in overweight women undergoing a specified diet and exercise plan for 8 weeks resulted in favorable changes in weight and percent body fat as well as reduced leptin levels.⁴²

To address all aspects of weight management, one must also consider thermogenesis, the process by which the body “burns” fat. A combination of Greenselect® Phytosome Green Tea, L-carnitine L-tartrate, acetyl-L-carnitine and biotin (as found in ThermoLoss) can help achieve optimal fat-burning results. Greenselect Phytosome Green Tea is a caffeine-free, phospholipid-bound form of green tea that is the most highly absorbed form of green tea available. It has been shown to be a highly effective component of weight management programs. In one study, this special form of green tea was given to 50 subjects who were also put on a low-calorie diet (about 1,850 calories for men and 1,350 calories daily for women). Another 50 subjects followed the low-calorie diet only. After 90 days, significant weight loss and a decrease in body mass index (BMI) occurred in the group taking the green tea extract (14 kg loss in the green tea group compared to a 5 kg loss in the diet-only group).⁴³

Carnitine is responsible for the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the energy-producing centers of the cells known as the mitochondria. Clinical studies provide evidence that supplementary L-carnitine supports healthy fat oxidation and muscle (lean tissue) deposition, and along with a healthy diet and exercise, helps maintain a healthy body weight.^44-46

Healthy blood sugar metabolism is related to optimal weight and biotin is included in the formula due to its ability to support healthy glucose levels. In rodents, biotin helped maintain healthy glucose balance^47-48 and it also has been shown to help optimize triglyceride levels in human subjects.⁴⁹

Together, the ingredients found in ThermoLoss are a powerful way to meet healthy weight goals. ThermoLoss, Glabrinex and LeptinX address several aspects of weight management for the most effective results.

Dieting Mobilizes Toxins

One of the important things to keep in mind in regards to any weight management program is that losing weight can mobilize the toxins that are stored in fat tissue. Ironically, when toxins are stored in fat tissue they are being kept away from critical organs in the body and this can provide the body with some protection against the toxins.⁵⁰ Yet, excess weight carries many other health risks that make it essential to engage in a weight management program despite the risk of mobilizing the toxins. Consequently, no matter how one chooses to lose weight, engaging in a detoxification regimen at the same time is essential. Once a person has achieved a healthy body weight, detoxification is still essential as the less fat tissue one has, the more chance toxins will be stored in other organs.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to detoxify the body is with Detox 365. In addition to methods that stimulate toxin release from the tissues such as sauna, exercise and massage, it is especially important to include nutritional therapy that supports all aspects of detoxification. However, any therapies that stimulate the cells to release stored toxins but do not support their elimination from the liver, gallbladder, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract can encourage the recirculation of toxins. Detox 365 has been specially formulated to address all aspects of detoxification, including those that occur through both the phase I and phase II pathways.

Each ingredient in Detox 365 was selected for its unique, scientifically supported ability to facilitate safe and natural detoxification on multiple levels. Calcium-D-glucarate promotes hormonal balance and healthy detoxification,⁵¹ while Maca root boosts energy levels and strengthens your body against stress, at the same time promoting healthy immune function.⁵² Detox 365 also contains essential fatty acids from chia seed and organic broccoli sprouts, along with Siliphos®, a patented and highly absorbable combination of the natural detox powerhouses phosphatidylcholine and milk thistle.⁵³ But perhaps its most notable addition is Pectasol® modified citrus pectin—a unique, well-researched nutraceutical with clinically supported toxin-binding and immune-enhancing properties.⁵⁴

Conclusion

Evidence strongly suggests that environmental toxins can sabotage weight management efforts. Therefore, any weight management regimen whether it utilizes effective supplements such as Glabrinex, LeptinX and ThermoLoss or lifestyle changes such as increased exercise and reduced caloric intake should also focus on detoxifying chemicals that may reside in fat tissue. Detox 365 is an effective way to help ensure any toxins that are mobilized during weight loss are escorted out of the body.

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