Obesity is big news (tad-dum-dum). At least, it seems to be popping up all over the news reports today. The Washington Post has an interesting article about an early study that posits that environmental exposure to widely used chemicals may also help make people fat. Specifically, a number of researchers are pursuing indications that the chemicals, which have been shown to cause abnormal changes in animals’ sexual development, can also trigger fat-cell activity — a process scientists call adipogenesis. So what are these chemicals? One is Tributyltin, which is used as a marine and agricultural fungicide, an antimicrobial agent in industrial water systems, and in plastics. Another is Bisphenol A, an ingredient in polycarbonate plastics used in many products, including refillable water containers and baby bottles, and in epoxy resins that line the inside of food cans and are used as dental sealants. Some research indicates that developmental exposure to low doses of bisphenol A activates genetic mechanisms that promote fat-cell activity. But who knows? After all, the Tasmanian Parents and Friends Association believes homework causes obesity.
At least obesity may have one benefit. The LA Times is reporting that obese men have a much lower risk of suicide. The researcher cautioned the study was not applicable to women in part because of hormone differences related to gender. In addition, he said, the stigma of obesity falls more heavily on women, causing anxiety and other adverse effects on mood. As he translated, “Men can be jolly and fat.”
Really? What about Mrs. Santa Claus. I don’t believe she looks like Angela Lansbury.
