BPA, phthalates tied to kids’ weight, diabetes risk

By Genevra Pittman NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Children exposed to two chemicals commonly used in food packaging are more likely to be obese or show signs of diabetes precursors than those with lower exposure, new research suggests. Researchers found urine levels of one type of phthalate, used to soften plastic, were tied to a higher risk of insulin resistance among teenagers. Based on data from the same large nutrition survey, another study group linked bisphenol A, or BPA – used to line aluminum cans – to obesity and larger waists in youth. …