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A team of the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a center driven by the «la Caixa» Foundation, has led a study detailing the biological pathways associated with the childhood obesity and metabolic dysfunction. Research identifies environmental risk factors in the first years of life. This approach could transform strategies to prevent childhood obesity and mitigate its long-term effects.
Childhood obesity: a growing public health problem
In Europe, 1 in 10 children is obese, putting them at increased risk of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Although obesity is prevalent, the biological mechanisms behind these health problems are not fully understood. Furthermore, not all children with obesity develop metabolic complications, making it difficult to identify universal solutions.
Advances through a multi-omic approach
To address these unknowns, the study used an advanced multi-omic approach that analysed five biological layers: DNA methylation, microRNA, mRNA, proteins and metabolites. These tests were performed on blood samples from more than 800 European children, combined with detailed information about their prenatal health and environment.
"Prenatal life is critical, as environmental exposures in this period can have long-lasting health effects," he explains. Martine Vrijheid, principal investigator of the study.
This work is part of the project Human Early Life Exposome (HELIX), which includes cohorts of children from different European regions, such as Spain, France, Greece and the United Kingdom.
A high metabolic risk group
The researchers identified three distinct groups among the children studied. One of these groups, considered high risk, had more body fat and greater signs of metabolic complications. This group showed elevated levels of inflammatory molecules, indicating an overactive immune system.
"These molecules can cause insulin resistance and perpetuate a chronic inflammatory cycle," he says. Nikos Stratakis, co-author of the study. This multi-omic approach allows us to understand the biological pathways involved in metabolic health beyond traditional markers.
Environmental factors during pregnancy
The study also highlighted that maternal weight prior to pregnancy influences the likelihood of a child belonging to the high metabolic risk group. In addition, environmental risk factors vary by region.
In Northern and Western Europe, maternal exposure to perfluorooctanoate, an industrial chemical used in non-stick coatings, was key. In the Mediterranean, on the other hand, exposure to mercury, associated with fish consumption, stood out as an important risk factor.
Implications for prevention
“These findings help to identify modifiable risk factors that could be addressed at an early stage,” says Vrijheid. They also underline the importance of adapting preventive guidelines to national and cultural contexts.
The study opens the door to developing personalized strategies to prevent childhood obesity and its metabolic complications.
