[Epigenetics and obesity]

Area of Science:

• Epigenetics and Environmental Health
• Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD)

Background:

• Early life environmental exposures can induce lasting epigenetic changes, influencing adult health outcomes.
• Specific DNA methylation patterns at birth are linked to adult-onset obesity and related disorders.
• Reversal of these epigenetic changes with weight loss has not been consistently demonstrated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review factors influencing early-life DNA methylation associated with adult obesity.
• To explore the potential of epigenetic markers for risk screening and intervention assessment.
• To highlight opportunities for early life interventions to prevent obesity and diabetes.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific literature on epigenetics, early life exposures, and adult obesity.
• Analysis of studies investigating DNA methylation patterns in relation to obesity.
• Examination of evidence for modifiability of epigenetic marks through lifestyle factors.

Main Results:

• Evidence supports permanent epigenetic changes from early life exposures, linked to adult obesity.
• Established associations exist between birth methylation patterns and adult obesity/diabetes.
• Epigenetic marks are modifiable by intrauterine environment, diet, and physical activity.

Conclusions:

• Epigenetic markers may identify individuals at risk for obesity and assess intervention effectiveness.
• Interventions before and during early life (pregnancy, infancy, childhood) can modify epigenetic marks.
• Preventive strategies focusing on diet and physical activity are crucial for mitigating obesity and diabetes risk.