Free Radicals and Obesity: Connected at the Hip

A big component of the obesity problem is the free radical problem. Free radicals are “rogue” molecules that rob electrons from other molecules, which in turn become free radicals and “pinball” around the body, creating a continuous cycle of damage and destruction to our bodies’ cells, tissue and organs. DNA is damaged, cells are destroyed, and body processes are disrupted. The end results of free radical damage are some of today’s obvious health problems—we are overweight, we look terrible, we feel terrible and we are simply less healthy.

Our environment is literally assaulting us with free radicals. They’re everywhere—in our foods, in our air, in our water, in our homes, offices and automobiles. Now scientists are telling us that the onslaught of free radicals we take on every day is contributing to a growing waistline. And the studies are simply supporting what we see all around us.

“The end results of free radical damage are some of today’s most obvious health problems—we are overweight, we look terrible, we feel terrible and we are simply less healthy.”

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Science Links Free Radicals and Obesity

Various studies demonstrate that free radicals lead to unwanted weight gain. For instance, researchers from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University found a direct correlation between oxidative stress (free radical damage) and increased obesity. The study authors stated, “Obesity, as measured by body mass index (BMI), is independently associated with oxidative stress and confirms recent data.” (Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. 2003;23:365.) Another study from the University of Florida found that eating plants high in phytochemicals (and antioxidants) is effective at reducing the amount of oxidative stress in the body, and therefore able to lower the risk of gaining unwanted fat.
(Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics; Oct 2009)