Pesticide exposure can have generational effects. Study found higher dose in grandmothers' granddaughters more likely to be obese or overweight. Young people are most at risk, as their bodies are developing during pregnancy. Scientists don't know how much of a problem this is but say it's nearby 15 to 20 percent.
Are synthetic chemicals we encounter every day causing us to gain weight? According to a major scientific review authored by dozens of scientists, there is now enough evidence to conclude that they are. Termed ‘obesogens’, these chemicals can be found in food packaging, personal hygiene products, electronics and even water. Madeleine Finlay speaks to environment editor Damian Carrington about how obesogens might be contributing to the global obesity pandemic, what they may be doing to our bodies, and if there’s anything we can do to avoid them.. Help support our independent journalism at
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