Maternal weight and exposure to chemicals, such as perfluorooctanoate and mercury, are key risk factors for childhood obesity, according to ATHLETE research. This new study could help both health professionals and policymakers develop strategies to prevent childhood obesity and its long-term health effects.
Researchers at ISGlobal – ATHLETE’s coordinating partner – identified the biological mechanisms linked to childhood obesity and metabolic dysfunction, using a cutting-edge molecular approach, known as multi-layered omics. They also shed light on environmental risk factors during early life.
Understanding childhood obesity
Childhood obesity is a major public health concern. One in ten children are living with obesity across Europe, which puts them at high risk of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease later in life. Despite its prevalence, the biological mechanisms behind obesity-related health problems remain poorly understood, and not all children with obesity develop metabolic issues later in life.
By studying the blood samples of over 800 European children from six countries together with detailed information about their health and prenatal environment, researchers found that indicators for an overactive immune system play a key role.
“An increased inflammatory response can lead to insulin resistance and trigger a chronic inflammatory loop, which in turn contributes to ongoing issues with weight and metabolism,” explains Nikos Stratakis, first author and ATHLETE researcher. “Our multi-omics approach provides a better understanding of the biological mechanism involved in metabolic health, beyond the traditional signs doctors are trained to look for,” he adds.
The risks of environmental exposure before birth
The researchers also looked at environmental factors during pregnancy and found that a mother’s weight before pregnancy strongly influenced her child ‘s risk of developing obesity.
“Prenatal life is particularly important because environmental exposures during this critical developmental period can have pronounced effects later in life,” says Martine Vrijheid, ATHLETE coordinator and senior author of the study.
The study identified that chemical exposure played a role, but that these exposures differed depending on the region. In Northern and Western Europe, maternal exposure to the forever chemical perfluorooctanoate (used in non-stick coatings) was a significant risk factor. In Southern/Mediterranean Europe, maternal exposure to mercury, likely from higher fish consumption, was identified as a risk factor.
“These findings help us identify modifiable risk factors that could be targeted early in life,” says Martine. “They also underscore the need to tailor prevention guidelines to diverse country contexts,” she adds.