Abstract
Obesogens are exogenous chemicals belonging to the group of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and are believed to interfere in obesity development. In children, several chemicals are under investigation, most commonly bisphenol A, phthalates, perfluorinated alkyl substances, and persistent organic pollutants, including organochlorinated pesticides, tributyltin, polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins. Several associations have been studied between chemical exposure in utero and postnatally. Current opinion among researchers indicates that the obesogen theory is very likely; however, limited published studies show inconsistent support for the obesogenic effects of most substances in children and are limited by difficulty in providing the exact mechanisms of action, nor is their mutual effect in humans known, let alone in children. Existing data indicate that we have only scratched the surface and have much more to learn about obesogens. Hopefully, in the future, more information will provide an opportunity for policy makers to take action and protect public health.
Highlights
Not more than 500 years ago, the list of chemicals surrounding human life was fairly short, and materials were extracted from the natural environment
Several chemicals are under investigation, most commonly bisphenol A, phthalates, perfluorinated alkyl substances, and persistent organic pollutants, including organochlorinated pesticides, tributyltin, polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxins
Several studies investigated the effect of obesogens on obesity development, in adults, and in the pediatric population, where obesity is on the rise in recent decades
Summary
Not more than 500 years ago, the list of chemicals surrounding human life was fairly short, and materials were extracted from the natural environment. Obesity is nowadays an important public health concern, especially among children. It substantially increases the risk of multiple chronic diseases, contributing to a decline in both quality and longevity of life. Several exogenous chemicals interfere with hormone action and are called endocrine-disrupting chemicals They have been implicated in reproductive endocrinology and in metabolic syndrome and obesity development. It is assumed that adipose tissue, a highly active endocrine organ and not merely a storage of fat, is susceptible to many exogenous chemicals, called obesogens, that promote adiposity by altering programming of fat cell development, increasing energy storage and fat tissue, and interfering with neuroendocrine control of appetite and satiety [3,4]. Continuous research is of utmost importance to define the substances that could lead to an increased risk of obesity and possibly reducing them in a child’s environment
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