admin Emerging research suggests microplastics (MP) can promote adipocyte growth and accumulation, contributing to obesity by disrupting metabolism, causing inflammation, and leaching endocrine-disrupting chemicals (like BPA and phthalates) that interfere with fat storage hormones, leading to increased fat mass, inflammation, and impaired energy balance, even triggering cellular aging in fat tissue.
How Microplastics Affect Adipocytes
Hormonal disruption (endocrine disruption). Plastic additives — obesogens — mimic or block hormones, altering the balance that regulates fat storage, promoting adipocyte hyperplasia (proliferation) and hypertrophy (growth).
Metabolic dysfunction. MP can cause oxidative stress and dysregulate lipid and glucose metabolism, leading to increased fat synthesis and storage in fat cells.
Cellular inflammation and aging. Accumulation in adipose tissue triggers inflammation and cellular senescence (aging), further impairing normal fat cell function and contributing to chronic disease.
Gut microbiota changes. MP can alter the gut microbiome, which influences appetite and metabolic health, potentially increasing food intake.
Key Chemicals Involved
Bisphenol A (BPA). This is a known endocrine disruptor which affects metabolism.
Phthalates. These can disrupt fat cell growth.
Toxic metals. These leach out and interfere with metabolic processes.
Overall Impact
Studies show MP act as “obesogens,” substances that promote obesity, leading to increased fat mass, insulin resistance, and higher risks for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, creating a cycle of metabolic dysfunction.
According to Richards (2022), “While the health risks of microplastics in humans are not fully understood, laboratory animal and cell culture studies suggest that these chemicals can encourage obesity through several mechanisms.
“Microplastics fewer than 20 micrometers that penetrate the cell membrane can cause an immune response and potentially cell damage. Microplastics induce oxidative stress and alter energy and fatty acid metabolism. Accumulation of microplastics in the liver and kidney has also been shown to boost the growth and accumulation of fat cells and disrupt energy balance, which ultimately can affect body weight.
“In addition, plastic additives can contain harmful chemicals , which can act as co-contaminants in microplastics. Many of these plastic additives, including organotins, phthalates, bisphenols, and toxic metals, affect fat cell growth as well as the proteins that regulate lipid and glucose metabolism. BPA, commonly used to make certain types of plastics, is known to affect the endocrine system and the body’s hormonal balance, which can impact metabolism and weight gain.”
Richards, D. (2022). Microplastics may increase risk for obesity. Global Environmental Health Newsletter, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Research
Huang, H., Wei, F., Qiu, S., et al. (2023). Polystyrene microplastics trigger adiposity in mice by remodeling gut microbiota and boosting fatty acid synthesis. Science of the Total Environment.
Jeong, B., Kim, J., Kwon, A., et al. (2024). Maternal nanoplastic ingestion induces an increase in offspring body weight through altered lipid species and microbiota. Environment International.
Lee, A., Kang, S., Yoon, H., et al. (2023). Polystyrene microplastics exacerbate systemic inflammation in high-fat diet-induced obesity. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Moon, H., Jeong, D., Choi, JW. et al. Microplastic exposure linked to accelerated aging and impaired adipogenesis in fat cells. Sci Rep 14, 23920 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-74892-6
Warger, J., Lucas, M., & Lucas, A. (2024). Assessing the contribution of plastic-associated obesogenic compounds to cardiometabolic diseases. Current Opinion in Endocrinology & Diabetes and Obesity.
Additional Information
Are your towels and blankets making you fat? | The Bali Market
Microplastics accelerate aging and inflammation in fat tissue, increasing risk of chronic disease | News-Medical.net
Microplastics and Obesity | Perque
