Environmental Factors Implicated in Obesity

The global obesity epidemic is progressing inexorably and currently affects more than 2 billion people. Behind the development of obesity are complicated relations determined by biological, behavioral, and environmental factors, particularly the latter as widely demonstrated by the scientific community. The main environmental factors that promote obesity are linked to the environment itself (e.g., sedentary lifestyle, transportation, urban planning, school environment, excessive use of electronic devices such as TV, smartphones, and video games), to the agri-food sector (e.g., contaminants, unbalanced ingredients, sweet beverages, eating speed, portion sizes, snacking habits, fast food) and to socio-cultural and ethnic elements.

Several physiological mechanisms of action have been proposed to underlie these environmental influences, including the serotonergic system, insulin resistance, and microbiota alteration, among others. As the environment — and in particular, lifestyle — modulates genetic changes that can influence the development of obesity, it is crucial to investigate the specific genomic mechanisms involved in these interactions. For example, genetic variants that induce obesity and work together with environmental factors have been related to the epigenetic mechanism of DNA methylation.

The goal of this Research Topic is to engage researchers to share their new findings in the field of environmental factors involved in the etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of Obesity. This Research Topic will outline the latest evidence-based advances in the following areas: environmental factors (e.g., socio-cultural and economic factors) and behavioral factors (e.g., speed eating), lifestyle (e.g., diet and physical activity), and other newly discovered factors that play a role in the current major problem of Obesity. In addition, this article collection will aim to include the most updated publications on the mechanisms (e.g., epigenetic) by which these factors interact with the individual to determine Obesity. Finally, new pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies to achieve positive outcomes will be addressed.

We welcome the submission of different types of manuscripts (including original research articles, reviews, clinical cases) on the following topics, but not limited to:
• Pathophysiology of Obesity;
• New environmental factors implicated in Obesity and its comorbidities;
• Role of environment in predisposition to Obesity and its comorbidities;
• Influence of epigenetics on Obesity;
• Experimental models related to behavior, neuroendocrine mechanisms, and nutrition;
• Precision and personalized treatment of Obesity;
• Dietary interventions and effects on satiety cues.