Parabens, Phthalates, and BPA Linked to Obesity and Diabetes

A nationwide study of 8,026 Korean adults links everyday consumer chemicals to obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.

Three Chemical Classes, Three Diseases

Researchers measured urinary levels of 6 phthalates, 3 bisphenols, and 3 parabens in participants from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (2015 to 2020), then checked for metabolic disease, according to a 2026 study in Sci Total Environ.

People with the highest levels of ethylparaben (EtP), DEHP metabolites, MnBP, MBzP, and BPA had higher rates of obesity. All of those chemicals except MBzP were also linked to increased risk of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD). DEHP and MnBP were specifically tied to diabetes.

Ethylparaben Is the Surprise

While phthalates and BPA get most of the attention, ethylparaben showed up as a clear risk factor for both obesity and fatty liver disease. Parabens are preservatives found in shampoos, lotions, cosmetics, and even some food products.

When researchers analyzed all chemicals as a mixture, the combined effect on obesity, diabetes, and liver disease was even stronger than individual chemicals alone.

What You Can Do

Choose paraben-free personal care products. Avoid plastic food containers (phthalate and BPA sources). Read labels on cosmetics and lotions. And switch to non-toxic home essentials to reduce your daily chemical load.

Also see non-toxic kitchen essentials for safer alternatives.

Source: Moon MK, Lee I, Lee G, et al. (2026). Sci Total Environ.