The Impact of Endocrine Disruptors on Obesity Across the Lifespan - a Systematic Review

Abstract

Abstract Background: The global obesity epidemic is a significant public health challenge. While genetics, diet, and physical activity are traditional focal points, emerging evidence suggests environmental factors, particularly exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), play a crucial role in obesity development. Objective: This systematic review aims to elucidate the relationship between exposure to endocrine disruptors and the incidence of obesity from prenatal development through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and into the elderly stage of life. Methods: This systematic review was conducted by searching two major scientific databases, PubMed and Scopus, for studies published up to December 2023. Keywords related to our research topic were used to ensure a comprehensive search. Initially, 704 records were identified. After removing duplicates, 628 titles and abstracts were screened for relevance, leading to the full-text review of 61 articles. Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 58 studies were ultimately included for qualitative synthesis. Results: Prenatal exposure to specific EDCs such as bisphenol A (BPA), parabens, phthalates and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is linked to increased obesity risk and metabolic disorders in offspring. During childhood and adolescence, exposure to EDCs is correlated with alterations in body composition, such as increased body mass index (BMI) and fat mass, particularly among prepubertal children. The evidence suggested gender-specific effects, with girls being more susceptible to certain EDC exposures. In adulthood, the association between exposure to these compounds and increased adiposity was confirmed, with studies indicating a positive correlation between urinary BPA levels and obesity and also POPs exposure, such as PFAS, and overweight. Notably, the elderly were not immune to the obesogenic effects of EDCs, with studies suggesting that exposure could exacerbate age-related metabolic dysregulation. Conclusions: The evidence presented underscores the significant environmental determinant EDC exposure represents in the obesity epidemic across all life stages. Addressing this epidemic requires comprehensive strategies that also encompass environmental health perspectives, particularly the reduction of EDC exposure. Future research should focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying the obesogenic effects of EDCs, assessing the long-term health impacts of early-life exposures, and developing interventions to mitigate these risks. Abstract Background: The global obesity epidemic is a significant public health challenge. While genetics, diet, and physical activity are traditional focal points, emerging evidence suggests environmental factors, particularly exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), play a crucial role in obesity development. Objective: This systematic review aims to elucidate the relationship between exposure to endocrine disruptors and the incidence of obesity from prenatal development through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and into the elderly stage of life. Methods: This systematic review was conducted by searching two major scientific databases, PubMed and Scopus, for studies published up to December 2023. Keywords related to our research topic were used to ensure a comprehensive search. Initially, 704 records were identified. After removing duplicates, 628 titles and abstracts were screened for relevance, leading to the full-text review of 61 articles. Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 58 studies were ultimately included for qualitative synthesis. Results: Prenatal exposure to specific EDCs such as bisphenol A (BPA), parabens, phthalates and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is linked to increased obesity risk and metabolic disorders in offspring. During childhood and adolescence, exposure to EDCs is correlated with alterations in body composition, such as increased body mass index (BMI) and fat mass, particularly among prepubertal children. The evidence suggested gender-specific effects, with girls being more susceptible to certain EDC exposures. In adulthood, the association between exposure to these compounds and increased adiposity was confirmed, with studies indicating a positive correlation between urinary BPA levels and obesity and also POPs exposure, such as PFAS, and overweight. Notably, the elderly were not immune to the obesogenic effects of EDCs, with studies suggesting that exposure could exacerbate age-related metabolic dysregulation. Conclusions: The evidence presented underscores the significant environmental determinant EDC exposure represents in the obesity epidemic across all life stages. Addressing this epidemic requires comprehensive strategies that also encompass environmental health perspectives, particularly the reduction of EDC exposure. Future research should focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying the obesogenic effects of EDCs, assessing the long-term health impacts of early-life exposures, and developing interventions to mitigate these risks.