Science Chemicals in packaging, carpets and non-stick pans 'may contribute to obesity' Studies have also linked compounds called perfluoroalkyl substances to cancer, high cholesterol and immune problems The chemicals may disrupt the body’s ability to burn calories and lead to more rapid weight gain following dieting. Photograph: E Hamilton West for the GuardianChemicals used to make non-stick pots and pans, stain-resistant carpets, and food packaging may contribute to high levels of obesity by disrupting the body’s ability to burn calories, scientists say. But Sun found that those who gained the most weight after dieting had the highest blood levels of PFAS chemicals, with the effects more pronounced in women. According to a report in the journal Plos Medicine, women in the study with the highest PFAS levels re-gained about 2kg more than those with the lowest PFAS levels. “These chemicals may lead to more rapid weight gain after dieting,” Sun told the Guardian.

Source: The Guardian February 13, 2018 18:56 UTC