The Truth About the Influence of Endocrine Disruptors on Obesity: What Can Be Done?

Disruption of adipose tissueAdipose tissue homeostasis has been proven to favor a pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory environment, a known risk factor for a number of chronic conditions, including obesity. Human exposure to non-essential heavy metalsHeavy metals such as Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), and Lead (Pb) has been associated with metabolic alterations, especially because they induce oxidative stressOxidative stress by inhibiting the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase, reducing antioxidants, or binding to –SH groups of proteins. Among various toxicological mechanisms of action, non-essential heavy metalsHeavy metals have been considered as Endocrine disruptors (EDs) through interference with the adipose tissueAdipose tissue metabolismEndocrine disruption. Endocrine Disruptor can be defined as an exogenous substance or mixture with the potential to disrupt hormonal regulation and the normal endocrine system, and consequently causes adverse health effects in humans. A subset of environmental chemicals, that act as EDs are the so-called “obesogenicObesogenic or obesogensObesogens”, described as “molecules that inadequately regulate metabolism and adipogenesis, promoting obesity”. This disease is associated with the consumption of ultra-processed foods and in recent years has been related to exposure to pollutantsPollutants, which are classified as EDs. This chapter will address the main elements recognized as EDs and how they can alter genetic and epigeneticEpigenetic mechanisms, creating a risk scenario for obesity and associated comorbidities.