Pesticides and Risk of Obesity and Diabetes

Abstract

Objective: This study seeks to examine current research evidence and literature linking pesticide exposure with obesity and diabetes. Study Design and Setting: The review presented here summarizes research studies regarding the association between pesticides and obesity, including diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. Published literature was reviewed between 1996 and 2015. Studies highlighting investigations examining the potential association between pesticides and the outcomes of interest were included. Results: Although this is not a meta-analysis, a summary of research finding that showed the most studies investigating an association between pesticides and obesity and/or diabetes are presented. Overall, many of the studies demonstrate a positive correlation between pesticide exposure and key measures of these two health conditions (Body Mass Index, Weight, Glycated Hemoglobin (Hemoglobin A1c), Blood Glucose Levels, And Serum Insulin Levels). Likewise, inherent complexities of pesticide chemicals and the multifactorial nature of obesity and diabetes further limit study conclusions. Conclusions: Literature supports a potential positive association between pesticide exposure and obesity and/or diabetes. However, mechanisms accounting for such an association have yet to be defined, and notable gaps exist in assessing the extent to which an association may exist. In this regard, evidence supports further research to better define these areas. Keywords: Diabetes; Metabolic Syndrome; Obesity; Pesticides Abbreviations: OP : Organophosphate pesticides OC : Organ chlorine pesticides POPs : Persistent organic pollutants BMI : Body Mass Index MB : Methanobacteriales DDT : Dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane DDE : Dichloro diphenyl dichloroethylene PCBs : Polychlorinated biphenyls AHS : Agricultural Health Study