With a whopping one-third of Americans fighting obesity, it’s clear our weight problem is a national issue–yet figuring out how to fix it has always remained a controversial issue.
And while many experts are putting the blame on sedentary lifestyles and convenience foods as the main culprits, a new report by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) says there’s something else to blame: Antibiotics.
Why Antibiotics Are Making You Fat
If the connection isn’t clear, here’s a rundown. In late November of last year, experts reported on an analysis studying the effects of antibiotics on innumerable populations, ranging from children to Navy recruits. Nearly all of the studies showed a scary correlation–those treated with antibiotics were more likely to be obese. For instance, in one study done on infants given antibiotics before the age of 6 months, 22 percent of the infants were more likely to be obese by the time they turned 3 years old.
So, if antibiotics are correlated with obesity, then surely all you need to do is avoid taking antibiotics–but it’s not that simple.
According to new evidence from the NRDC, FDA officials rated 18 out of 30 additives used in animal feed to fatten up animals, which include antibiotics, as “high-risk” between 2001 and 2010, but were still allowed to be used. To make matters worse, at least 26 of the additives failed safety standards set by this agency.
This is a huge problem, as 80 percent of all antibiotics are currently being used in animal feed.
“The use of antibiotics for promoting growth is not necessary, and the practice should be phased out,” says the CDC. “When someone takes an antibiotic that they do not need, they are needlessly exposed to the side effects of the drug and do not get any benefit from it.”
Is There Any Way to Avoid it?
Despite being designed to keep the interest of Americans’ health safe, it doesn’t seem like the FDA is doing that–after all, it seems even they aren’t following their own safety procedures. Today, many of these antibiotics are still being used, despite claims from the FDA to gradually phase these chemicals out of use.
So, are you safe?
Well, here’s the bad news: If you eat commercial animal products, such as meat or milk, then chances are you’ve consumed animal products containing these unsafe antibiotics. But if you’re looking for a way around it, then you’re in the clear–organic products are usually safe. To make sure there are no antibiotics in your food, look for meat labeled as “grass fed”–this means these animals fattened up by grazing the land, not by swallowing antibiotic-laced feed.
Readers: What do you think about antibiotics in your food? Is it a good or bad idea?
Sources:
Antibiotic Use Around the World and Its Safety [Report] – CDC.gov
America’s Obesity Epidemic May Be Caused By Its Favorite Drug – NewsWeek.com
Animal Feed in Antibiotics Deemed Unsafe by FDA, Yet Are Still Being Used – NewsOne.com
About The Author: Zero to Hero Fitness
Our mission at Zero to Hero Fitness is to help you to finally lose the weight and keep it off, strengthen your body and mind, and experience naturally high levels of energy throughout the day. We believe everyone, regardless of your past or current struggles with your health or fitness, can greatly improve on your existing condition and live life in your best body possible.
Great info