Do Genetically Modified Foods Contribute to Weight Gain?

Grocery shopping can be challenging due to the presence of advertisements and displays that promote unhealthy snacks. The role of genetically modified foods in our diets is an area of interest worth exploring.

In our ever-increasing attempt to lose weight—and keep it off—we battle an unyielding array of television, magazine, and billboard ads tempting us with guilty pleasures, empty calories, and inappropriately cheap foods that, among other things, do our thighs no favors.

A stroll through a supermarket for just the necessities is no picnic for the dieter either: endcaps and displays bombard us with discounts, deals, and delicious-looking chocolate-covered anything. But, even if you have rock-solid willpower and an ability to resist the temptations of bad-for-you foods, the weight still may not come off. What gives?

The Challenge of Genetically Modified Foods

Among the growing issues our nation's food supply faces (pink slime, meat glue, antibiotics, high fructose corn syrup—take your pick!), genetically modified foods are one of the biggest hot-button issues. Using technology to alter the cells of plants with genes from other organisms, many genetically modified foods are also technically pesticides—designed to produce their own pesticides as well as resist multiple pesticide applications.

And it's not just a small number of crops. GMOs are the crop du jour, present in nearly 80 percent of all processed foods in the US, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The most common crops: corn, soy, canola, and cotton are fed to livestock, processed into a number of food ingredients, and make up a majority of items found in fast-food restaurants, snack foods, frozen foods, breakfast cereal, and of course, cookies, candy, and ice cream.

The Risks of Pesticides and Obesity

Certainly, eating a plant that has been altered to kill insects and resist even more applications of pesticides can sound pretty unappetizing. But there's even more reason to resist having a bite: glyphosate, the pesticide most commonly applied to genetically modified crops (marketed by Monsanto as Roundup), is a known endocrine disruptor, which has been connected to our nation's rising rates of obesity.

The Impact of Endocrine Disruptors on Health

Endocrine disruptors mimic or alter the body's endocrine system functions. The endocrine system is responsible for a number of important roles including reproductive health and metabolism. Endocrine disruptors have been shown to block signals entering the bloodstream, reroute them, or negate them altogether, causing organs to misbehave or fail to execute a function completely.

Routine exposure to these chemicals (and they're not just in pesticides, but also plastics, aluminum cans, register receipts, cosmetics, and household items) can cause the endocrine system to become highly imbalanced and prone to allow issues like obesity and diabetes to develop.

Read more: Are Fat Loss Failures A Result Of Metabolic Damage And Enzyme Deficiency

The Link Between Endocrine Disruptors and Obesity

Research conducted by the Institute of Preventive Medicine in Copenhagen recently found that a strong correlation does indeed exist between exposure to endocrine disruptors and the rising rates of obesity and obesity-related illness. Reviewing data from some 450 studies, the team found obesity was a factor in virtually every instance where chemicals, like the pesticide Roundup, were present. And making matters worse, the earlier that one is exposed to the chemicals (even in utero), the more at risk their hormonal systems are of becoming incapable of regulating the body's ability to store and regulate fat. They can also trigger us to eat when we're actually not hungry. Really.

Long-Term Effects of Chemical Exposure

The study found that prenatal exposure to the endocrine disruptors may actually cause permanent physiological changes that predispose those individuals to weight gain later in life and the complications commonly associated with obesity like type II diabetes and heart disease.

And more evidence in a recent issue of the journal Endocrine Reviews also connected weight gain and other hormonal disturbances with very low dose exposure to certain endocrine disruptors. In some cases, the study found that low dose exposure was significantly more damaging to the body's hormonal systems than larger dose exposure.

Practical Solutions to Reduce Chemical Exposure

What to do? Avoid processed and packaged food. Eat organic. Eat fresh. Grow your own.

Organic vs GMO Foods: What's the Difference?

When comparing organic foods to GMOs, one key difference is that organic foods are grown without synthetic pesticides or genetically modified organisms. GMOs, on the other hand, are engineered to withstand certain chemicals or produce their own. If you're concerned about chemicals in your food, sticking with organic options might feel safer.

The Link Between GMOs and Cancer

The safety of GMOs is a topic of discussion, with some animal studies examining their potential health effects. Individuals who have concerns about GMOs may choose to seek non-GMO products and stay informed about ongoing research.

Effects of GMOs on Gut Health

Gut health is an area of ongoing research, and some individuals are interested in the effects of GMOs on gut bacteria. Because GMOs are often engineered for pesticide resistance, there are discussions about the potential impact of pesticides like glyphosate on the gut microbiome. However, research in this area is still developing. Those concerned about gut health may consider choosing non-GMO or organic food options.

Can GMOs Cause Weight Gain?

Some studies have explored potential associations between GMOs and weight gain, particularly regarding chemicals such as glyphosate. While the relationship between GMOs and weight gain is still being researched, certain chemicals may impact metabolic functions. Further research is needed to understand these dynamics fully.

Related Product: plant-based protein powder

What Are the Side Effects of GMOs?

Higher levels of pesticide residues may result from GMO crops, which are engineered for resistance to specific pesticides. While many studies indicate that GMOs are generally regarded as safe, individuals with specific health concerns may choose to observe their body's responses and adjust their diet as needed.

What Foods Contain the Most GMOs?

The most common GMO crops in the U.S. are corn, soy, canola, and cotton. These ingredients make their way into a wide variety of processed foods, including snacks, cereals, and oils. If you're aiming to avoid GMOs, check labels for non-GMO certifications, and focus on whole, organic foods when possible.

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