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Review
. 2014 Jun;19(2):69-75.
doi: 10.6065/apem.2014.19.2.69. Epub 2014 Jun 30.

Phthalate exposure and childhood obesity

Shin Hye Kim  1 , Mi Jung Park  1
Affiliations
Review

Phthalate exposure and childhood obesity

Shin Hye Kim et al. Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2014 Jun.

Abstract

Phthalates are commonly used as plasticizers and vehicles for cosmetic ingredients. Phthalate metabolites have documented biochemical activity including activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and antiandrogenic effects, which may contribute to the development of obesity. In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that phthalates have significant effects on the development of obesity, especially after prenatal exposure at low doses. Although few studies have examined the effects of phthalate on obesity development in humans, some work has shown that phthalates affect humans and animals similarly. In this paper, we review the possible mechanisms of phthalate-induced obesity, and discuss evidence supporting the role of phthalates in the development of obesity in humans.

Keywords: Child; Diethylhexyl phthalate; Endocrine disruptors; Obesity.

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Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Metabolic pathways of phthalates.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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