PFAS chemicals tied to weight loss difficulties in teens

Published: Friday, August 15, 2025 at 6:31 pm

"Forever Chemicals" Linked to Weight Regain in Teenagers After Bariatric Surgery

A new study suggests a concerning link between exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called "forever chemicals," and weight regain in teenagers who have undergone bariatric surgery. The research, published in the journal *Obesity*, indicates that teens with higher levels of PFAS in their blood were more likely to regain weight after the surgery.

The study followed 186 teenagers who had bariatric surgery between 2007 and 2012. Researchers collected blood samples before surgery to measure PFAS levels and tracked the participants for up to five years, monitoring their weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist size. The findings revealed a clear association: teens with higher pre-surgery PFAS levels experienced greater weight regain and increases in waist circumference compared to those with lower levels.

The strongest links were observed with a class of PFAS known as sulfonic acids, including PFOS and PFHpS. For instance, teenagers with the highest levels of PFOS regained an average of 47 pounds within five years, while those with the lowest exposure regained about 36 pounds. Similarly, those with the highest PFHpS exposure regained an average of 4.3% of their body weight per year, compared to 2.7% in the lowest exposure group.

PFAS chemicals, known for their durability due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, have been widely used in consumer products since the 1940s, including fire-fighting foam, nonstick cookware, stain-resistant furniture, waterproof clothing, and food wrappers. Previous research has indicated that PFAS can disrupt hormones, potentially impacting metabolism and weight gain.

Researchers emphasize the need for stronger regulations regarding PFAS, particularly concerning public water supplies, which are a significant source of exposure. They plan to further investigate the impact of PFAS on other weight-loss methods, such as GLP-1 drugs, and their potential role in metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. It is important to note that this study is observational and cannot definitively prove a direct causal relationship between PFAS exposure and weight gain.

BNN's Perspective: This study adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting the potential health risks associated with PFAS exposure. While the findings are concerning, it's crucial to approach them with a balanced perspective. The study underscores the importance of proactive measures to reduce PFAS exposure, particularly in vulnerable populations. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between these chemicals and weight management, but the findings should encourage policymakers to consider stronger regulations.

Keywords: PFAS, forever chemicals, weight regain, bariatric surgery, teenagers, PFOS, PFHpS, weight loss, obesity, public health, hormones, metabolism, weight gain, sulfonic acids, environmental health

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