Hormonal
Higher urinary concentrations of specific phthalate metabolites (MBzP, MEP, MEHHP, MEOHP) are positively associated with increased BMI and waist circumference in adult males (20-59 years), suggesting an obesogenic effect of endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
For adult men, minimizing exposure to plastics containing phthalates (e.g., avoiding heating food in plastic containers, reducing use of certain personal care products) may be a supportive strategy for weight management, given the observed association between higher phthalate levels and increased BMI/waist circumference.
The most consistent associations were in males aged 20–59; BMI and WC increased across quartiles of MBzP (adjusted mean BMI = 26.7, 27.2, 28.4, 29.0, p-trend = 0.0002), and positive associations were also found for MEOHP, MEHHP, MEP, and MBP.
Why this rating
Cross-sectional observational study; establishes association but not causation.
Source
Association of urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations with body mass index and waist circumference: a cross-sectional study of NHANES data, 1999–2002
Elizabeth E. Hatch et al. · Environmental Health · 2008
DOI 10.1186/1476-069x-7-27
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