Updated Understanding of Endocrine-Disrupting Substances Involved in the Obesity Epidemic and Their Associated Etiopathogenetic Mechanisms

Purpose: Obesity is a chronic multifactorial disease whose increasing prevalence cannot be fully explained by excessive caloric intake and sedentary behaviour alone. This review aimed to synthesize current evidence on the role of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), particularly obesogenic EDCs, as potential environmental contributors to obesity-related phenotypes, with emphasis on their main classes, etiopathogenetic mechanisms and clinical implications. Methods: A structured literature analysis was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science and additional relevant scientific reports and governmental publications. Eligible sources included original research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and authoritative reports addressing endocrine disruption, obesogens, obesity, metabolic dysfunction and related molecular mechanisms. Results: The review identified several major classes of obesogenic EDCs, including organotins, bisphenols, phthalates and persistent organic pollutants. These compounds have been linked to obesity-related phenotypes through overlapping mechanisms, including disruption of adipogenesis via estrogen receptor-dependent and independent pathways, PPARγ/RXR activation, altered adipokine signalling, neuroendocrine dysregulation across developmental stages, oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory activation, genetic and epigenetic alterations, gut microbiota-mediated effects and impaired thermoregulation through brown and beige adipose tissue dysfunction. EDC-associated obesity may contribute to metabolic, endocrine, cardiovascular, hepatic and reproductive complications. Conclusion: Obesogenic EDCs should be regarded as environmental contributors to obesity that act through interconnected molecular, cellular and systemic pathways. Their biological effects support the need for further mechanistic and epidemiological research, preventive strategies, public education and regulatory measures aimed at reducing exposure.