Pollutants and Increased Rates of Metabolic Syndrome

Rates of diagnosis for metabolic syndrome have been on the rise in the US for decades, and now more than one-third of Americans meet the criteria for diagnosis. A growing body of research suggests that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are a contributing factor in these increased rates of metabolic syndrome. POPs are produced for agricultural and industrial applications, and they are also byproducts of some industrial processes. They are present in water, polluting fish and other animals high in the food chain, and are transported by rain, wind, and currents.  

A growing body of research suggests that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are a contributing factor in these increased rates of metabolic syndrome.  

Studies suggest that POPs may impair metabolic functioning and may be correlated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. One study demonstrated that POP concentrations are associated with unhealthy metabolic phenotypes, including not only obese and overweight individuals but also, and even more strongly, in normal weight individuals. A study published in Chemosphere suggests that the gut microbiota may be involved in the mechanism that leads POPs to metabolic syndrome. POP exposure is widespread and difficult to avoid, even when consuming healthy foods such as fruit and vegetables. Exposure may increase with higher consumption of seafood and preheated packaged foods, as well as living in a home with carpeted floors.  

POP exposure is widespread and difficult to avoid, even when consuming healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables.  

Detoxifying the body of POPs is challenging because POPs are fat-soluble and collect in adipose tissue. A 2019 paper on one type of POP suggests that weight gain may help sequester the POPs in adipose tissue. Weight loss can release POPs from adipose tissue; however, this can cause adverse health risks and may negatively impact the brain. Caution is advised to avoid neurologic consequences of increased serum levels of POPs when supporting patients in excreting these compounds.