From an article published by U.S. Right to Know reporting on original research published in the journal Environment International (please see sources below).

Key Points

• Researchers measured prenatal and childhood exposure to 45 endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) across nine chemical classes. These included per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phthalates, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), flame retardants, metals, parabens, and phenols, including bisphenol A (BPA) and triclosan.
• Unlike most earlier studies, which examined chemicals one at a time, this research assessed mixtures that more closely reflect real life. People typically encounter many chemicals at once through food, drinking water, plastics, and personal care products.
• The study accounted for factors that could affect both chemical exposure and weight, including maternal age and BMI, smoking during pregnancy, fish consumption, and childhood exposure to tobacco smoke, a research method that helps more clearly link potential health impacts to these kinds of chemicals.

Early life is a critical period for tissue and organ development, making babies and children especially vulnerable. Our endocrine systems help control the hormones in our bodies that are essential to many functions, from reproduction and puberty to metabolism and immunity. We depend on our hormonal systems all day every day. Children with obesity face an increased risk of chronic diseases in adulthood, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

What you can do about it

Many trustworthy certifications restrict the use of these chemicals including EWG Verified and Made Safe, among others. Choosing fragrance free personal care products, avoiding grease-proof food packaging, and avoiding plastic baby products are a few ways you can help reduce exposures for your family. Avoid products made from PVC. Supporting stronger state and federal laws will reduce the use of these kinds of toxic chemicals in household products and help reduce their prevalence in nature, including in our drinking water. We'll continue to research companies and update this blog when we have some Recommended companies.

Posted by U.S. Right to Know on 10/28/26: https://usrtk.org/healthwire/hormone-disrupting-pfas-chemical-mixtures-linked-to-childhood-obesity/

Original journal article: Güil-Oumrait N, Midya V, India-Aldana S, et al. Prenatal and childhood exposure to mixtures of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in association with measures of adiposity in childhood and adolescence. Environ Int. 2026;215:110495. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2026.110495. Retrieved on 10/6/26.