Obesogens: a unifying theory for the global rise in obesity

Obesogens: a unifying theory for the global rise in obesity

2024 | Jerrold J. Heindel, Robert H. Lustig, Sarah Howard and Barbara E. Corkey
The article proposes a unified model of obesity that integrates four existing theories: the energy balance model (EBM), the carbohydrate-insulin model (CIM), the oxidation-reduction model (REDOX), and the obesogens model (OBS). The unified model suggests that environmental chemicals, known as obesogens, interfere with hormonal signaling and generate false metabolic signals, leading to altered energy regulation, increased insulin secretion, and weight gain. This model incorporates data from the EBM and CIM, providing a comprehensive explanation for the global obesity epidemic. The EBM focuses on energy intake and expenditure, while the CIM emphasizes insulin's role in energy storage. The REDOX model highlights the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in metabolic signaling, and the OBS model suggests that environmental chemicals disrupt hormonal pathways, increasing obesity susceptibility. The integrated OBS/REDOX model explains how obesogens and ROS interact to alter metabolic processes, leading to weight gain. The model also addresses the role of developmental programming, where in utero and early life exposures can influence obesity risk across generations. The article emphasizes the need to reduce exposure to obesogens to prevent obesity, suggesting dietary changes, avoiding processed foods, and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals. The unified model provides a framework for future research and interventions to address the obesity pandemic.The article proposes a unified model of obesity that integrates four existing theories: the energy balance model (EBM), the carbohydrate-insulin model (CIM), the oxidation-reduction model (REDOX), and the obesogens model (OBS). The unified model suggests that environmental chemicals, known as obesogens, interfere with hormonal signaling and generate false metabolic signals, leading to altered energy regulation, increased insulin secretion, and weight gain. This model incorporates data from the EBM and CIM, providing a comprehensive explanation for the global obesity epidemic. The EBM focuses on energy intake and expenditure, while the CIM emphasizes insulin's role in energy storage. The REDOX model highlights the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in metabolic signaling, and the OBS model suggests that environmental chemicals disrupt hormonal pathways, increasing obesity susceptibility. The integrated OBS/REDOX model explains how obesogens and ROS interact to alter metabolic processes, leading to weight gain. The model also addresses the role of developmental programming, where in utero and early life exposures can influence obesity risk across generations. The article emphasizes the need to reduce exposure to obesogens to prevent obesity, suggesting dietary changes, avoiding processed foods, and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals. The unified model provides a framework for future research and interventions to address the obesity pandemic.
Reach us at info@study.space