Human contact with phthalates during early life stages leads to weight gain and obesity

Abstract

When human is exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as phthalates, for example, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate(DEHP) and diisononyl phthalate (DINP)in early life may contribute to overweight and obesity. EDCs are also called obesogen. Obesogen can promote adipogenesis and cause weight gain. Phthalates are man-made chemicals used in polyvinyl (PVC) products such as wires, cables, floorings, wall coverings, medical devices and cosmetics. The vulnerability of humans to EDCs has resulted in adverse health consequences, including decreased sperm motility, infertility in men, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and obesity. This paper will educate people all over the world about the danger associated with contact with phthalates. It will also help to make people limit exposure to materials made of phthalates.

Keywords:

• Obesity
• obesogens
• adipogenesis
• phthalates
• atherosclerosis

PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENT

There are a group of chemicals called phthalates which are used to produce a variety of goods that are used by humans. In fact, about 40% of all industrial goods produced contain phthalates. Examples of goods that are manufactured with phthalates are wires, cables, self-adhesive films perfumes, lotions, cosmetics, and inks. They are also present in medical devices, and beverages. These chemicals after some time leave these materials and are spread throughout human surroundings. When in the surroundings they get into the body through inhalation and absorption through the skin. In the body, phthalates are able to increase the number and size of fat cells. This causes the body to gain weight as a result leading to obesity. An obese person is at high risk of suffering from diseases like type 2 diabetes, mellitus, hyperlipidemia, heart diseases, liver diseases, stroke and hypertension. Hence, humans should limit exposure to these chemicals.

Competing Interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the constructive suggestions of Prof Nathaniel Owusu Boadi, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, of the manuscript which led to the improved quality of this paper. We also recognize and acknowledge the paramount role played by Dr Michael Baah Mensah in manuscript writing.

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no direct funding for this research.

Notes on contributors

Joseph Apau

Joseph Apau is a lecturer at the Department of chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). He holds a BSc in chemistry from KNUST, an MPhil (chemistry) and a post diploma Education from the University of Cape Coast. His area of specialization is in Environmental monitoring and epidemiology research. He is a member of Ghana Chemical Society and Ghana Science Association. He is a member of the united scientific group, a non-profit scientific international organization. He is an examiner of West African Examination Council (WAEC) and International Baccalaureate Organization.