ATLANTA — There’s a new study out that could ruin how you look at breakfast sandwiches and hamburgers.
There may be something in the wrappers that could add to your waistline. According to groundbreaking research out of Harvard University, it's true.
Dr. Qi Sun, of Harvard's School of Public Health, led a first-of-its-kind study that found a correlation between weight gain and a chemical called perfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, that's found in hundreds of everyday items, including fast food wrappers.
“The chemicals can transfer from the packaging to the food,” Sun said.
PFAS are used to make food wrappers grease-resistant. Once in the wrapper, the chemical gets into your food. You eat the food, and then the chemical gets into your bloodstream.
Sun's research found that PFAS stay in your body for years and can hurt your metabolism, thereby causing weight gain.
“I think I wish I knew that,” said fast food customer Christopher Gray. “They should use a different wrapper, that's terrible.”
The research team also found it's worse in women, because PFAS interact with estrogen in a way that scientists don't yet understand.
The broader problem is, it's not just in food wrappers.
PFAS are used in hundreds of products that repel oil and water, items that you touch every day. And it's all getting absorbed into your bloodstream.
From carpeting to nonstick cookware and even winter coats.
Researchers said for the most part, you can't escape it.
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It's in pizza boxes, microwave popcorn bags, and it's even making its way into our drinking water.
But, Sun said, you can take action.
“You can do things that reduce the exposure to those chemicals,” Sun said.
Experts recommend washing your hands before eating.
If a product says, "non-stick" or "stain-resistant," try not to buy it, experts said. They also recommend drinking purified water.
Sun hopes to eventually testify before Congress to help regulate the chemical.
Some companies in the food service industry are already trying to use different wrappers and containers.
Cox Media Group
