Genetics and Environmental Factors Contributing to Childhood Obesity: Study Finds
A cutting-edge molecular approach provides a detailed picture of the biological pathways associated with childhood obesity and metabolic dysfunction, and identifies environmental risk factors during early life. The findings are published in nature communication.
Researchers used an advanced “multi-layered omics” approach to examine gene expression, proteins, and metabolites in blood samples from over 800 European children, together with detailed information about their health and prenatal environment.
By analysing five “omics” layers- DNA methylation, microRNAs, mRNA, proteins and metabolites- the researchers identified three distinct clusters among the children. One of these groups stood out because the children not only had higher body fat but also showed more signs of metabolic complications. This high-risk cluster showed a higher expression of inflammation markers, which indicate an overactive immune system.
The researchers also looked at environmental factors during pregnancy and found that the mother’s weight before pregnancy strongly influenced whether her child fell into the high-risk group. Interestingly, the environmental exposures linked to the high-risk cluster differed depending on the region. In Northern and Western Europe, maternal exposure to the industrial chemical perfluorooctanoate (used in non-stick coatings) was a significant risk factor
“These findings help us identify modifiable risk factors that could be targeted early in life,” says Martine Vrijheid, ISGlobal researcher and senior author of the study. “They also underscore the need to tailor prevention guidelines to diverse country contexts,” she adds.
Reference: Stratakis, N., Anguita-Ruiz, A., Fabbri, L. et al. Multi-omics architecture of childhood obesity and metabolic dysfunction uncovers biological pathways and prenatal determinants. Nat Commun 16, 654 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-56013-7
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