New Study Suggests That Fluoridated Water Could Increase the Risk of Depression and Weight Gain

Sample News Big

A new study has suggested that drinking fluoridated water can increase the risk of thyroid problems and contribute to depression and weight gain.

Researchers from the University of Kent analysed data from 98 per cent of GP practices across England and found that cases of underactive thyroid were up to 30 per cent higher in areas where the water supplies are fluoridated. The findings suggest that up to 15,000 could be suffering from symptoms such as depression, muscular aches and pains and weight gain as a result of drinking tap water.

Last year, a report released by Public Health England claimed that fluoridated water is perfectly safe and represents an effective means of reducing rates of decay, especially in deprived areas. However, this study suggests otherwise, claiming that there is a spike in cases of underactive thyroid in areas where the water is fluoridated, such as the North East and the Midlands.

Lead author of the study, Professor Stephen Peckham, from the Centre for Health Service Studies, said that the findings are worrying for people who live in fluoridated areas. Prof Peckham highlighted the difference in the number of cases of underactive thyroid in the West Midlands, which is fluoridated, and Manchester, which is not. There were almost double the number of cases in the West Midlands.

Dr Sandra White, Director of Dental Public Health at Public Health England, said that research points to the fact that fluoridated water is safe and stressed that Public Health England carries out evidence-based reviews on a regular basis. The notion that fluoridated water is safe stems from decades of research. Dr White also claims that no link has been established between fluoridation and thyroid function.

Other experts have also suggested that the findings of the study may have been affected by population bias. However, researchers have disputed this claim.

Join this Discussion

Comments are closed.