Obesogens in the XXI century: emerging health challenges

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Its prevalence is increasing exponentially, and obesity has become a major public health concern being considered by the World Health Organization as one of the most critical public health challenges in the 21st century. Understanding the causes that lead to obesity and the prevention of obesity not only in adults, but also in children and adolescents, is a public health priority. This is particularly relevant since overweight and obese children are likely to stay obese into adulthood and more likely to develop noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age.

The exposure to certain environmental contaminants has been suggested to contribute to the obesity epidemics. These chemicals known as obesogens can interfere with hormones involved in regulating metabolism and weight gain. Humans are continuously exposed to obesogens across the life course and this exposure is likely to contribute substantially to disease and dysfunction with costs in the hundreds of billions of Euro per year. Thus, assessing exposure to these chemicals and their implications in human health across life span is key to develop a strategy to reduce exposure and improve health. Furthermore, the molecular understanding of obesogens' toxic-induced mechanisms is a crucial starting point for developing a strategy to provide better diagnosis platforms, treatments and management of the adverse effects of obesogens.

This Research Topic aims to cover all aspects of obesogen field from exposome to the effects in model organisms (vertebrates and invertebrates) and humans. We bring together cutting-edge data from the molecular basis to the clinical perspective, such as mechanisms, associated diseases, public health data, and recent breakthroughs.

Authors are welcome to contribute with original research, review and mini review articles.