BPA Linked to Childhood Obesity due to Estrogen Mimicking Effect

Recent studies show that the chemical bisphenol A, otherwise known as BPA, may cause childhood obesity.

BPA is known as a chemical widely used in food packaging. However, previous government studies have shown that 92 percent of Americans have detectable levels of the chemical in their body, which can harm the brain and reproductive organs because of its ability to mimic estrogen's effects, and these effects can be particularly disturbing in children.

A new study published online investigating the BPA levels in the urine of over 1,300 children in China measures their body weight and shows the chemical's possible effects on the body.

Researchers asked children about things that may influence their body weight, including how often they consumed junk food, fruits, and vegetables, their exercise habits, their parents habits and weight, and how long they engaged in other activities that involved a sedentary lifestyle.

Results showed that girls aged 9 to 12 who had higher-than-average levels of BPA in their urine were about twice as likely to be obese as those with lower-than-average levels. However, the same association was note seen for boys or for older girls.

They believe an explanation may point to puberty and its effects on hormone-disrupting chemicals. 

The study is published online June 12 in the journal PLoS One.