Lots of things contribute to weight gain. A diet heavy on fats and sweets is sure to pile on the pounds. Lack of exercise assures that those fatty bulges stay right where they are. Even things like stress and anxiety can lead to overeating, and that, of course, leads to weight gain.

Researchers have come up with yet another reason for those added inches - chemicals used in plastics. The Washington Post.com tells us:

The chemicals under scrutiny are used in products from marine paints and pesticides to food and beverage containers. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found one chemical, bisphenol A, in 95 percent of the people tested, at levels at or above those that affected development in animals.

That's not all! The Out There Blog warns:

Used in many plastic products, research has implicated BPA in a number of hormone-related defects including breast cancer, miscarriage and polycystic ovarian disease, as well as diabetes and insulin resistance.

But how would we manage without plastic? It's so light. It doesn't shatter if you drop it. It's just so --- handy! Well, remember, years ago we managed quite nicely without it. Maybe its time we took a step back and got rid of some of the chemicals in our lives.