Endocrine Disruptors: Hidden Chemicals and Metabolic Health

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright revisit the critical topic of endocrine disruptors—chemicals in our environment that interfere with hormones and impact metabolism, weight, and overall health. 

Dr. Cooper breaks down how everyday exposures to substances like phthalates, BPA, and others can have generational effects on metabolic pathways and disease risk. The episode highlights the link between these chemicals and the rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and even cancer, while offering practical steps for minimizing exposure in daily life.

Key Takeaways:

• Endocrine disruptors are chemicals found not only in food but in everyday items such as furniture, makeup, plastics, and baby products, making exposure widespread and difficult to avoid.
• These chemicals can mimic or block hormones, disrupting critical metabolic and developmental processes, with effects that may pass to future generations.
• Regulatory oversight in the U.S. is decreasing, with significant EPA budget cuts threatening existing screening and cleanup programs targeting endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
• Air quality improvements, especially through HEPA filtration, and making informed choices during preconception, pregnancy, and early childhood, can help reduce exposure.
• Consumer awareness, advocacy, and using resources like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) app are key strategies for individuals seeking to lower risk.

Personal Stories & Practical Advice:

• Andrea shares the everyday struggle to find safe, affordable alternatives and the surprise of seeing improvements in metabolic hormone levels after changing air filters and reducing workplace exposures.
• Dr. Cooper discusses strategies to minimize risk during critical windows such as preconception and pregnancy, and emphasizes the power of informed consumer choices in driving safer product development.

Resources from the episode:

• Environmental Working Group (EWG) resources and app for product safety ratings
• U.S. EPA Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP)
• PubMed for scientific research on specific chemicals (BPA, phthalates, PFAS)
• Connect with Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedIn.
• Connect with Mark Wright on LinkedIn.
• Connect with Andrea Taylor on Instagram.

Fat Science is a podcast on a mission to explain where our fat really comes from and why it won’t go and stay away. We are committed to creating a world where people are empowered with accurate information about metabolism and recognize that fat isn’t a failure. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

If you have a question for Dr. Cooper, a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at info@diabesityinstitute.org or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com.

Fat Science is supported by the non-profit Diabesity Institute, which aims to increase access to effective, science-based medical care for those suffering from or at risk for diabesity. https://diabesityresearchfoundation.org/