Research Ties Bisphenol-A to Pubescent Female Obesity: Is This Only Applicable to Females?

The incidence of pubescent female obesity appears to be on the increase, globally. Why that is happening is uncertain, but it appears to involve a multiplicity of factors. One of the areas of current interest is that of bisphenol-A. 

Research with respect to the relationship between bisphenol-A and pubescent female obesity is being undertaken.

The mayoclinic.com article entitled “What is BPA, and what are the concerns about BPA?” suggests the use of bisphenol-A to make plastics, as well as epoxy resins has been popular since the 1960’s. In other words, the use of polycarbonates in plastics for food, beverages and other edible products is not new to this era. 

What may be of serious concern is the increasing use of plastic water bottles by pubescent females or other containers that are coated on the inside with epoxy resins, as they can cause seepage of bisphenol-A into food or drinks. Epoxy resins used in dental sealants or other products may result in further exposure.

Advocates for the use of bisphenol-A suggest there are positive aspects to the use of polycarbonate plastic including the following.

“Polycarbonate plastic is clear, lightweight, durable and shatter-resistant. Epoxy resins protect the safety and integrity of canned food and beverages. Products made with BPA contribute to the health and safety of people.”

All of these arguments can be applicable to pubescent females, as well as others. There are other studies with broader applications including this one published in dailygreen.com, entitled “Study: BPA causes low sperm count and motility”.

“Though not all links are proven by robust human studies, BPA has already been linked to a range of potentially serious health problems from obesity to cancer. It is believed to have effects at very low levels because it is an endocrine disruptor – a synthetic chemical so similar to estrogen that the body mistakes it for a hormone.”

This particular study was specific for adult males, but is it also applicable to the problem of pubescent female obesity? Perhaps one might suggest that it may be applicable for all males and females alike of any age, including infants and children, who could be exceptionally vulnerable.

Anything that the body reacts to like a hormone or appears to be an endocrine disruptor in the human body is likely to affect the health of pubescent females and their weight.   

Because of increasing activity and mobility in the lives of pubescent females, the use of plastic food and water containers with relation to drinking water or other beverage consumption is on the rise, which could also result in increasing exposure to bisphenol-A. Instead of paper bags, plastic containers contain food when pubescent females go to school or elsewhere. Disposable containers in cafeterias, restaurants, coffee shops and fast food outlets are plastic. The grocery stores and markets have endless plastic products.

At the same time, there are numerous other factors to consider with respect to pubescent female obesity including diet and exercise. Extensive research on healthy, pubescent females, who then become obese, might prove a connection between bisphenol-A and obesity of pubescent females. Bisphenol-A may be one factor with respect to females of any age who have hormonal disturbances. It is unrealistic to exclude pubescent males. Anyone can become obese for no apparent reason. Is bisphenol-A the only culprit or just one of many factors?