Is Fluoride Making You Fat?

New findings by the National Research Council could give us all something to worry about. In the first review of its kind, the NRC found that small amounts of fluoride — you know, the stuff in our water and in our toothpaste — may present risks to thyroid gland activity. Those small amounts correlate with the amount of fluoride that’s added to our tap water.

"Many Americans are exposed to fluoride in the ranges associated with thyroid effects, especially for people with iodine deficiency," says Kathleen Thiessen, co-author of the report.

Low levels of thyroid hormone can cause an increased risk of heart disease, weight gain, higher cholesterol, low blood pressure and depression. About 59 million Americans have thyroid problems.