A common chemical found in many cosmetics and personal care products may influence our will to exercise…
Mice exposed prenatally to benzyl butyl phthalate (B.B.P.) were less likely than other mice (control group) to exercise as adults.
Male mice exposed to B.B.P. in utero had notably lower levels of testosterone – than the other animals – in young adulthood.
Exposed females similarly developed during young adulthood low estrogen levels and other reproductive system abnormalities that then produced a profound desire, it seems, to sit for most of the day…
Exposure to environmental toxins before birth might change babies’ physiology in ways that affect their interest in exercise throughout their lives.
Sources – Press Releases
- Could Environmental Chemicals Shape Our Exercise Habits?, The Times, 2016/06/29.
- Study: Common Chemicals Might Affect Exercise Habits, opposingviews, June 29, 2016.