New study finds link between BPA in cans & bottles and childhood obesity

(WXYZ) - Food and genetics may not be the only factors to blame for kids who struggle with their weight. A new study finds the containers that store food may also play a role.

 A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a link between the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) and childhood obesity.

Researchers analyzed data from more than 2,800 children and teens. They found 22 percent of children with high levels of BPA in their systems were obese, compared with 10 percent of children with low levels of BPA.

Previous studies have suggested BPA is dangerous. Researchers have found it may also cause diabetes, cancers and behavior problems.

The chemical is already banned in baby bottles and sippy cups, but it can still be found in some canned soups and plastic sports bottles.

Researchers stress that the study has only found a link between BPA and childhood obesity, not that BPA causes obesity. Researchers say it's possible that obese kids are exposed to more BPA than others because they consume more sugary pop from cans that contain BPA. There's also the possibility that obese children have higher levels of BPA in their systems because it can be stored and released from fat cells.

Still, experts recommend parents avoid BPA as much as possible and look for products that say "BPA-Free" on the label.