Chemicals And Toxins Cause Weight Loss Resistance – Finally Lose Fat By Addressing The Underlying Problem
People are led to believe that diet and exercise are the end-all solution to fat loss, however, there’s more to it than that, as chemicals and toxins cause weight loss resistance. In today’s world, we are constantly surrounded by harmful substances in our environment, food, water, and personal care products.
These chemicals disrupt our hormone balance, slow down metabolism, and interfere with other bodily functions essential for weight loss. To get to the cause of weight loss resistance, we must address toxin exposure and remove these toxins from our bodies.
Chemicals And Toxins Cause Weight Loss Resistance – Obesogens
Obesogens are environmental toxins that contribute to weight gain and obesity. These chemicals disrupt the body’s natural metabolism and hormonal balance, leading to weight loss resistance. They are found in everyday items such as plastics, pesticides, cosmetics, and food additives.
One of the main ways obesogens interfere with our bodies is by mimicking hormones in the endocrine system. Endocrine disruptors bind to hormone receptors and block or mimic the actions of natural hormones. This disruption leads to imbalances in insulin, thyroid, and estrogen levels, which all play a crucial role in metabolism.
Moreover, many obesogens are fat-soluble, meaning they accumulate in our body’s fat cells. This accumulation makes it difficult for the body to break down and eliminate these toxins, causing them to continue disrupting our metabolism. Some of the most common obesogens include bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and atrazine.1
Toxins Cause Weight Loss Resistance – Bisphenols
Bisphenols are synthetic chemicals used in the production of plastics, resins, and other consumer goods. These substances have become increasingly prevalent in our daily lives, with studies showing that 90% of people have detectable levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in their bodies.2
While bisphenols have long been linked to reproductive issues, recent research has also shown a correlation between these chemicals and weight loss resistance. Bisphenols disrupt the function of hormones such as estrogen, insulin, and thyroid hormones, leading to undesired weight gain. Studies have shown that exposure to bisphenols leads to changes in energy expenditure, fat storage, and appetite regulation, ultimately leading to difficulties in losing or maintaining weight.
Bisphenols are present in numerous everyday products such as plastic water bottles, food packaging, canned foods, and even paper receipts. They can also be absorbed through skin contact with certain products like hand sanitizers and lotions.
The most significant source of bisphenol exposure is through the consumption of food and beverages packaged in plastic containers or soda cans lined with a bisphenol-based resin. This is because bisphenols leach into food and drinks from these sources, especially when they are acidic or heated.3
Toxins Cause Weight Loss Resistance – Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are commonly used in the production of plastics and other consumer products. These chemicals are found in a wide range of items such as food packaging, children’s toys, cosmetics, and even medical devices. Phthalates have been linked to numerous health issues including developmental and reproductive problems as well as weight loss resistance.
Phthalates disrupt the body’s endocrine system, leading to changes in insulin sensitivity, thyroid function, and fat storage, all of which contribute to weight gain and difficulty losing weight.4
Toxins Cause Weight Loss Resistance – POPs
Exposure to Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) has been linked to weight loss resistance. POPs are synthetic organic compounds that do not break down easily and accumulate in the body’s fatty tissues over time. These compounds are commonly found in pesticides, industrial chemicals, and household products.
Research has shown that POPs, specifically PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), interfere with the body’s natural metabolism and disrupt hormone regulation, leading to difficulties with weight management. This is because POPs have a similar chemical structure to hormones, which allows them to bind to hormone receptors and disrupt their normal functioning.
In addition, POPs also affect the production of adiponectin, a hormone that helps regulate glucose and fat metabolism. Adiponectin levels have been found to be lower in individuals with high levels of POPs in their body, making it more difficult for them to lose weight.
Moreover, POPs also lead to inflammation in the body, which further contribute to fat gain and weight loss resistance. Chronic inflammation has been linked to insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders.5
Toxins Cause Weight Loss Resistance – PFAS
The prevalence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in our environment has been a growing concern in recent years. These human-made chemicals have been used for decades in various products, such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam. However, they are also known to be highly persistent in the environment and accumulate in humans over time.
One alarming effect of PFAS exposure is its link to weight loss resistance. Research has shown that PFAS plays a role in disrupting the body’s metabolic processes, leading to weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
Studies have found that individuals with higher levels of PFAS in their blood tend to have a higher body mass index (BMI) and are more likely to be overweight or obese. This is because PFAS interferes with hormones that regulate metabolism, such as leptin and adiponectin.6
Furthermore, research has also shown that exposure to PFAS leads to insulin resistance, a condition where cells become less responsive to insulin’s signals, ultimately leading to higher blood sugar levels and weight gain.7
PFAS affects thyroid function. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in metabolism, and studies have shown that exposure to PFAS disrupts thyroid hormone production and leads to hypothyroidism, which results in weight gain.
According to a study published in the journal PLOS Medicine in 2018, researchers at Harvard conducted an experiment on 621 overweight or obese individuals. The participants were put on different heart-healthy diets while their blood was tested for levels of PFAS.
Interestingly, the results showed that those with higher levels of PFAS gained back more weight than those with lower levels. On average, they regained 3-5 lbs. more weight. This effect was more prominent in women compared to men.8
Toxins Cause Weight Loss Resistance – Heavy Metals
Heavy metals have been linked to weight loss resistance due to their ability to disrupt hormonal balance and interfere with metabolic processes. They also cause inflammation and damage to cells, which leads to insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders.
Heavy metals accumulate in fat cells, making it difficult for the body to burn stored fat for energy. In addition, heavy metal exposure has been linked to thyroid dysfunction and difficulties regulating metabolism.9
Heavy metals, especially mercury, cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) and accumulate in the hypothalamus. Upon accumulation, they cause neurotoxic effects, leading to neurological disorders. The hypothalamus is a crucial part of the brain that regulates body temperature, hunger, thirst and other important physiological processes.10
How I Overcame Mercury Toxicity
When I was 34 years old, I developed a number of strange symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, digestive issues, and I was gaining fat while losing muscle mass. This all took place while training for mountain bike competitions. As the days went by, I slowly began to develop more symptoms and eventually suffered from something called multiple chemical sensitivity.
During this moment in my life, I didn’t know if I could go on as I was literally incapacitated and prayed that my clients would cancel their appointment with me so I could lay down and rest.
My symptoms led me to believe that I was suffering from either thyroid disease or adrenal dysfunction. It took me years of research and consultations with many doctors to eventually learn that I was suffering from mercury toxicity. Throughout my life, I was exposed to mercury through dental fillings and contact lens solution. Over that time, mercury slowly accumulated in my hypothalamus, leading to hormone issues and specifically thyroid problems.
When the hypothalamus is not functioning properly due to mercury accumulation, it cannot regulate the endocrine system. This leads to a wide range of health conditions including weight loss resistance.
To remove mercury and other toxins from my body and from my brain, I developed a comprehensive strategy that I now call my 5Rs. To get to the root cause of weight loss resistance, following the 5Rs is imperative.
R1 – Remove The Cause Of Weight Loss Resistance
To avoid exposure to obesogens, it is essential to limit our use of plastic containers and choose natural personal care products. It is also crucial to consume organic fruits and vegetables and opt for hormone-free grass-fed meat and dairy products. Additionally, using non-toxic cookware and drinking filtered water helps reduce exposure to these harmful chemicals.
R2 – Regenerate The Cellular Membrane
In R2, the focus is on regenerating and healing the cellular membrane. Heavy metals and other obesogens lead to inflammation of the cellular membranes. The primary concern is that when there is inflammation present, nutrients are unable to enter cells and waste products cannot leave. This has a detrimental effect on the cell’s ability to create ATP and excrete toxins.
Cellular membrane inflammation also affects the shape of hormone receptors. This results in hormones like thyroid hormone or leptin being unable to communicate with the cell, leading to hormone resistance. Even if there are enough hormones circulating in the blood, they cannot effectively regulate metabolism due to cellular membrane inflammation. By regenerating the cellular membrane, we are able to optimize hormone function and finally lose weight.11
R3 – Restoring Cellular Energy
Restoring and optimizing cellular ATP production and other cellular pathways that have been damaged by toxins is critical to reversing weight loss resistance. ATP is essential for providing cells with energy, and when it is depleted, it affects overall cell function. Opening up detox pathways and enhancing cellular function allow for the creation of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that aids in cellular detoxification.12
R4 – Downregulate Cellular Membrane Inflammation
The focus of R4 is to downregulate cellular membrane inflammation. While the removal of toxins from cells alleviates some inflammation, it is not enough. The NO/ONOO cycle, a complex feedback loop, maintains cellular membrane inflammation even after toxins are removed. Specific nutraceuticals are required to effectively decrease this inflammation and reset inflammatory markers back to baseline.13
R5 – Reestablishing Methylation
Finally, R5 involves restoring proper methylation through the use of methyl donors. Heavy metals and other obesogens disrupt the body’s ability to produce and utilize methyl groups, which are essential for processes such as detoxification, hormone regulation, and gene expression. By restoring methylation, we are able to turn off any harmful genes, such as the Agouti gene that is triggered by toxins like BPA.14
Chemicals And Toxins Cause Weight Loss Resistance – Finally Lose Fat By Addressing The Underlying Problem
Overall, the goal of R1-R5 is to restore cellular health and function so the body can effectively detoxify and reestablish optimal metabolism. Once we eliminate cellular membrane inflammation and optimize cellular detox pathways, we can finally reverse weight loss resistance.
To put an end to weight loss resistance by following my 5Rs, join me in my free webinar or read more about what toxins cause autoimmune conditions.
References
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2 Colorado-Yohar SM, Castillo-González AC, Sánchez-Meca J, Rubio-Aparicio M, Sánchez-Rodríguez D, Salamanca-Fernández E, Ardanaz E, Amiano P, Fernández MF, Mendiola J, Navarro-Mateu F, Chirlaque MD. Concentrations of bisphenol-A in adults from the general population: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Total Environ. 2021 Jun 25;775:145755. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145755. Epub 2021 Feb 11. PMID: 34132197.
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5 Lee, Y.-M., Kim, K.-S., Jacobs, D. R. Jr, and Lee, D.-H. (2017) Persistent organic pollutants in adipose tissue should be considered in obesity research. Obesity Reviews, 18: 129–139. doi: 10.1111/obr.12481.
6 Qi W, Clark JM, Timme-Laragy AR, Park Y. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Review of Epidemiologic Findings. Toxicol Environ Chem. 2020;102(1-4):1-36. doi: 10.1080/02772248.2020.1763997. Epub 2020 May 22. PMID: 33304027; PMCID: PMC7723340.
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8 Liu, G., Dhana, K., Furtado, J. D., Rood, J., Zong, G., Liang, L., Qi, L., Bray, G. A., DeJonge, L., Coull, B., Grandjean, P., & Sun, Q. (2018). Perfluoroalkyl substances and changes in body weight and resting metabolic rate in response to weight-loss diets: A prospective study. PLoS Medicine, 15(2), e1002502. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1002502
9 Haidar Z, Fatema K, Shoily SS, Sajib AA. Disease-associated metabolic pathways affected by heavy metals and metalloid. Toxicol Rep. 2023 Apr 24;10:554-570. doi: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2023.04.010. PMID: 37396849; PMCID: PMC10313886.
10 Babić Leko M, Mihelčić M, Jurasović J, Nikolac Perković M, Španić E, Sekovanić A, Orct T, Zubčić K, Langer Horvat L, Pleić N, Kiđemet-Piskač S, Vogrinc Ž, Pivac N, Diana A, Borovečki F, Hof PR, Šimić G. Heavy Metals and Essential Metals Are Associated with Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Dec 27;24(1):467. doi: 10.3390/ijms24010467. PMID: 36613911; PMCID: PMC9820819.
11 Ammendolia, D.A., Bement, W.M. & Brumell, J.H. Plasma membrane integrity: implications for health and disease. BMC Biol 19, 71 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-021-00972-y
12 Vašková J, Kočan L, Vaško L, Perjési P. Glutathione-Related Enzymes and Proteins: A Review. Molecules. 2023 Feb 2;28(3):1447. doi: 10.3390/molecules28031447. PMID: 36771108; PMCID: PMC9919958.
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