Studies are showing increasing evidence there may be a link between certain chemicals and obesity. A new study found overweight young girls had significantly higher levels of phthalates than the general population of children. Phthalates are found in plastics and can be hormone disruptors.

Nutritionist Keith Bishop of Oklahoma City says these disruptors can cause all sorts of problems, “The plastics attach to receptors on the cells. If it’s a fat cell, it can stimulate that cell to grow and get bigger.”

These plastics can also attach to the thyroid, according to Bishop, causing metabolism problems.

Bishop suggests steering clear of food wrapped or stored in plastic.