Exposure to Obesogenic Endocrine Disruptors in Childhood. Impact on Biomarkers of Metabolic Status.

Abstract

Childhood obesity is an escalating global health concern, partly driven by environmental factors such as endocrine disruptors (EDs), which can alter metabolism and promote adiposity. This cross-sectional study examined exploratory associations between exposure to obesogenic EDs (bisphenols, parabens and benzophenones) and body composition in 72 children aged 3 to 15 years (53 with obesity and 19 normal-weight controls) recruited from two hospitals in Spain. Metabolic status, body composition and urinary levels of EDs were evaluated using tandem mass spectrometry. The findings, which are pioneering in evaluating multiple exposure to chemicals, identify exploratory associations between the presence of EDs in 100% of the participants, with parabens the most frequently detected. Higher methylparaben levels were observed in the group with obesity. Correlational analyses revealed positive associations between specific EDs and adiposity parameters, including triponderal mass index and visceral fat percentage. These results suggest a potential link between exposure to EDs and the development of childhood obesity. The massive and early exposure to EDs underscores the urgent need for preventive policies and longitudinal studies to evaluate their effects. These preliminary findings provide exploratory insights for developing effective strategies to combat childhood obesity.