Association Between Household Use of Chlorine Containing Chemicals and Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Study

 
Abstract
 
Studies have shown high prevalence of obesity among Saudi subjects, with the maximum prevalence among married women. Increasing exposure to the industrial chemicals with (endocrine-disrupting chemicals, EDCs) such as household Chemicals Containing chlorine could be a factor contributing to the increased obesity.The study was carried out to determine the association between the use of household chemicals Containing chlorine and the prevalence of obesity among married women living in Almadinah Almonawarra.Cross sectional study including 1019 native healthy Saudi married women were randomly chosen from those attending 20 primary health care centers in Almadinah Almonawara city. Anthropometric examination and full history of using chlorine containing chemicals were done to all subjects.There was highly significant correlation between females body mass index and the use of chlorine containing Chemicals (P=0.002).Conclusion: chronic exposure to EDCs may be a contributing factor for obesity. More detailed studies are needed to confirm BPA as risk factor for obesity.