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Endocrine disruptors and obesity
Jerrold J Heindel1, Retha Newbold2, Thaddeus T Schug1
1Division of Extramural Research and Training, Population Health Branch, National Institute of Environmental Sciences, PO Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
Nature Reviews. Endocrinology
|September 23, 2015
Summary
Certain chemicals, known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) or obesogens, may contribute to the obesity epidemic by disrupting metabolic processes. Early development exposure to these obesogens can increase weight gain susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Obesity is a significant global health issue driven by lifestyle factors.
- Emerging evidence implicates environmental chemicals in obesity aetiology.
- Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) interfere with hormonal signaling and metabolic regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of EDCs, specifically obesogens, in the obesity epidemic.
- To summarize current research on the obesogen concept and its implications.
- To provide health scientists with knowledge for research and decision-making.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological and experimental studies on obesogens.
- Analysis of the modes of action of obesogens.
- Synthesis of evidence on EDC exposure and metabolic disruption.
Main Results:
- EDCs, termed obesogens, can disrupt hormonally regulated metabolic processes.
- Exposure during early development may predispose individuals to weight gain.
- Obesogens may contribute to obesity independently of diet and exercise.
Conclusions:
- Obesogens represent a potential environmental factor contributing to the obesity epidemic.
- Understanding obesogen mechanisms is crucial for public health interventions.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the full impact of obesogens on metabolic health.
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