They also had dangerous amounts of fat in their bloodstream and showed signs of liver damage, which can cause metabolic disorders.
However, experts have hit back at the research, carried out by the University of Novi Sad in Serbia, saying there is 'not enough evidence' to support its conclusions.
Phthalates are additives used during the manufacturing of plastic. They have been detected in numerous everyday products, such as bottled water and perfume.
Concerns over their safety are already mounting, with three phthalates already being banned in toys manufactured in the EU.
The chemicals have been linked to infertility, obesity and impaired development, however, studies have largely been carried out on rodents.
To better understand how the chemicals affect human wellbeing, the researchers measured phthalate levels in the urine of 305 people.
Levels were compared against body weight, type 2 diabetes diagnoses, and markers of impaired liver function or poor metabolism.
Results revealed 66 of the participants had the chemical monoethyl phthalate (MEP) in their urine, while 72 had mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP).
Obese participants had higher levels of MEP, as well as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT).
AST and ALT are enzymes that get released when the liver is damaged and are markers of liver disease.
Obese participants with high quantities of MEP in their urine also had greater levels of triglyercides in their blood.
Triglyercides are the most common form of fat in the body and come from the extra calories in food. High levels are associated with heart disease.
MEP and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GST) levels were also higher in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Like AST and ALT, GGT is an enzyme that rises when the liver is damaged.
Results further revealed the participants who were a healthy weight had lower levels of MEP, MEHP and cholesterol.
Study author Professor Milica Medi Stojanoska admitted the sample of participants was small.
She said the results suggest phthalates cause 'toxic damage to the liver', as well as altering metabolism to increase the risk of obesity and diabetes.
Professor Stojanoska added: 'We need to inform people about the potential adverse effects of endocrine disruptors on their health.
And she called on scientists to look at ways to minimise human contact with the 'harmful chemicals'.
The study was presented at the European Society of Endocrinology annual meeting in Lyon.
But critics of the research have hit back.
Professor Rob Chilcott, a toxicologist at the University of Hertfordshire, said: 'The abstract simply does not provide sufficient information to support its conclusions.'
Professor Kevin McConway, emeritus professor of applied statistics at The Open University, added: 'It’s much too early to be concerned about this piece of research.'
Daily Mail
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