It's no secret that obesity is a growing health concern worldwide. It's a complex issue, often attributed to poor diet and lack of exercise. However, emerging science points to a lesser-known factor — obesogens. These compounds could be the silent perpetrators lurking behind stubborn weight gain. This article will illuminate what obesogens are, where they're found, and how strategic detox methods can help eradicate these problematic substances from our bodies.

The Unseen Epidemic: Obesogens and Weight Gain

Obesogens are foreign chemical compounds that have the capacity to disrupt normal development and balance of lipid metabolism, often leading to obesity. These compounds operate by increasing the number and size of fat cells, altering the hormones that regulate appetite, satiety, and fat storage, or modifying metabolic set points.

Obesogens belong to a class of chemicals known as endocrine disruptors because they interfere with the body's endocrine system. They mimic, block, or interfere with the body's natural hormones, impeding the messages those hormones would normally convey.

Where are Obesogens Found?

These compounds are unfortunately ubiquitous in our environment. They are found in a variety of everyday products, such as plastic bottles, metal food cans, detergents, flame retardants, toys, cosmetics, pesticides, and even in certain foods.

The Science Behind Obesogens and Weight Gain

When obesogens enter our bodies, they can increase the number and size of fat cells, leading to a higher body fat percentage. They can also interfere with the regulation of appetite and metabolism, promoting weight gain and making weight loss more difficult.

Animal studies have shown that exposure to obesogens in utero can lead to a predisposition to becoming overweight later in life, suggesting these chemicals can have long-term effects on our metabolic health.

Detoxing From Obesogens

Given the ubiquitous nature of obesogens, total avoidance is nearly impossible. However, there are effective strategies for reducing their impact on our bodies.

Binders: Certain substances known as binders can attract and bind to obesogens, facilitating their removal from the body. Binders include activated charcoal, clay, chlorella, and certain types of fibre. 

Bowel Regularity: Ensuring regular bowel movements can help speed the excretion of obesogens. A diet rich in fibre, coupled with adequate hydration, supports healthy digestion and regularity.

Liver Support: The liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying harmful substances, including obesogens. Consuming liver-supporting foods like leafy green vegetables, and supplements such as milk thistle, can aid in detoxification.

Glutathione Supplementation: Glutathione, the body's "master antioxidant," plays a critical role in the detoxification process. By supporting glutathione levels — either through a healthy diet rich in sulfur-containing foods like garlic and onions, or via supplements — we can enhance our body's ability to neutralise and eliminate obesogens.

In conclusion, while obesogens present a hidden challenge in the battle against obesity, we're not defenseless. By understanding their role in weight gain, we can implement strategies to minimise their impact. Detoxifying from obesogens is an essential step towards achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. It's a journey that involves not just individual actions but collective effort towards a cleaner and safer environment for all.

References & Further Reading: 

1. Grün, F., & Blumberg, B. (2009). Endocrine disrupters as obesogens. Molecular and cellular endocrinology, 304(1-2), 19-29.

2. Holtcamp, W. (2012). Obesogens: an environmental link to obesity. Environmental Health Perspectives, 120(2), a62-a68.

3. Janesick, A., & Blumberg, B. (2011). Endocrine disrupting chemicals and the developmental programming of adipogenesis and obesity. Birth Defects Research Part C: Embryo Today: Reviews, 93(1), 34-50.

4. Tang-Peronard, J. L., Andersen, H. R., Jensen, T. K., & Heitmann, B. L. (2011). Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and obesity development in humans: a review. Obesity Reviews, 12(8), 622-636.

5. Fénichel, P., & Chevalier, N. (2017). Bisphenol A: Targeting metabolic tissues. Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, 18(3), 335-347.

6. Stapleton, H. M., Eagle, S., Anthopolos, R., Wolkin, A., & Miranda, M. L. (2011). Associations between polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants, phenolic metabolites, and thyroid hormones during pregnancy. Environmental Health Perspectives, 119(10), 1454-1459.

7. Ruzzin, J. (2012). Public health concern behind the exposure to persistent organic pollutants and the risk of metabolic diseases. BMC Public Health, 12(1), 1-11.

8. Heindel, J. J., Newbold, R., & Schug, T. T. (2015). Endocrine disruptors and obesity. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 11(11), 653-661.

9. Aoki, R., & Aoki-Yoshida, A. (2020). Glutathione and Obesity. In Studies on Obesity and Diabetes (pp. 37-54). Springer, Singapore.

10. Ma, Q. (2013). Role of nrf2 in oxidative stress and toxicity. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 53, 401-426.