The role of Obesogens in Obesity “Pandemic”

In this post I’m going to talk about about the role of obesogens in the pathogenesis of obesity and how these environmental chemicals contribute to the global obesity pandemic.

In case you missed my introductory blog post, you can read it here where I explain what I’m pursuing in this blog. A recent article talks about the concept of obesogens — chemical compounds that disrupt energy homeostasis and contribute to obesity. The full article can be read here.

Obesity is often perceived as a result of overeating and lack of physical activity. However, research has shown that excessive adiposity is more complex, involving an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure influenced by various factors, including environmental chemicals known as obesogens. These chemicals interfere with the mechanisms responsible for maintaining energy balance, leading to weight gain and metabolic disorders.

Main Groups and Classes of Obesogens

Obesogens are categorized into various groups, including pesticides, industrial chemicals, and compounds used in consumer products. Notable examples are:

• Pesticides: Organotins like tributyltin oxide (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPT).

• Plastics: Bisphenol A (BPA) found in polycarbonate plastics.

• Flame Retardants: Polybrominated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).

• Phthalates: Used in plastics and cosmetics, easily leaching into the environment.

  These chemicals can be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin, leading to widespread exposure.

  
  

Mechanisms of Action

Obesogens disrupt energy balance by acting as ligands for receptors like PPARγ, promoting adipogenesis and altering lipid metabolism. They can also influence gene expression through epigenetic modifications, affecting the long-term regulation of metabolism.

Studies have shown that obesogens increase the number and size of fat cells, disrupt adipose tissue metabolism, and interfere with appetite regulation. For example, BPA exposure is linked to increased fat accumulation and altered glucose metabolism in animal studies.

Impact on Adipose Tissue and Metabolism

Obesogens promote the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into adipocytes, enhancing fat storage. They also induce oxidative stress and inflammation in adipose tissue, contributing to metabolic dysfunction.

Exposure to obesogens during critical periods like prenatal and early life stages can have long-lasting effects, predisposing individuals to obesity and related metabolic disorders.

Conclusion

Reducing exposure to these chemicals and focusing on early life nutrition are important steps in addressing this global health issue. Future research should continue to explore the mechanisms of obesogen action and develop strategies to mitigate their impact on human health.

Stay tuned for more posts on this topic as we delve deeper into the science of obesity and environmental health.