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Updated: May 27, 2025
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Association between bisphenol A exposure and adiposity measures in children
Cui Liu1, Ying Liu1, Jing Ning1
1Department of Children's Health Care, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
Insights
Exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) in young children is linked to increased obesity risks. This study found higher BPA levels in children aged 4-6 correlated with greater adiposity and overweight/obesity prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical with potential adverse health effects.
- The association between BPA exposure and childhood obesity, particularly in young children, requires further investigation.
- Previous studies have yielded controversial findings regarding BPA and adiposity in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between urinary Bisphenol A (BPA) concentrations and various adiposity measures in preschool-aged children.
- To determine the risk of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity associated with BPA exposure in children aged 4 to 6 years.
- To contribute to understanding the potential role of BPA in the development of childhood obesity.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 208 children aged 4 to 6 years in Guangzhou, China.
- Urinary BPA levels were quantified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
- Adiposity indicators included body mass index (BMI) z-score, waist-to-height ratio, upper arm circumference, and skinfold thickness.
Main Results:
- Bisphenol A (BPA) was detected in all urine samples, with a median concentration of 0.54 μg/L.
- Higher urinary BPA concentrations were significantly associated with increased BMI z-scores, waist-to-height ratio, upper arm circumference, and skinfold thickness.
- Children with higher BPA exposure exhibited a greater risk of being overweight or obese (OR=3.308) and having abdominal obesity (OR=1.711).
Conclusions:
- Elevated urinary BPA concentrations in young children are associated with increased adiposity and a higher risk of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity.
- These findings suggest that BPA exposure may contribute to the development of obesity in children.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these associations and elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms.
Abstract:
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that has adverse effects on human health and may cause childhood obesity. Nevertheless, the association between BPA exposure and adiposity measures in children remains controversial, especially in young children. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 208 randomly selected children 4 to 6 years old attending preschools in Guangzhou, China. BPA exposure was assessed through ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry of urinary samples. Childhood adiposity measures were determined, including body mass index, waist circumference, skinfold thickness, and upper arm circumference. BPA was detected in all urinary samples, and the median urinary BPA concentration was 0.54 (interquartile range, 0.05-5.81) μg/L. In the adjusted models, children with higher urinary BPA concentrations had a higher body mass index z-score (β = 0.471; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.303, 0.640), and they were at a greater risk of overweight or obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 3.308; 95% CI: 2.151, 5.089). Higher urinary BPA concentrations were associated with an elevated waist-to-height ratio (β = 0.007; 95% CI: 0.002, 0.012), and they were at a higher risk of abdominal obesity (OR = 1.711; 95% CI: 1.102, 2.655). Higher urinary BPA concentrations were also associated with increased upper arm circumference and skinfold thickness in the adjusted models (β = 0.546; 95% CI: 0.278, 0.813; β = 0.702; 95% CI: 0.139, 1.266, respectively). Higher urinary BPA concentrations in children 4 to 6 years old were associated with a greater risk of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity. BPA exposure might increase the risk of obesity in children. Further investigations are needed to confirm this association and explore the underlying mechanisms.
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