Precision integrative screening of determinants and diverse risk factors involved in obesity throughout the life cycle

Abstract

Excess adiposity is a growing pandemic affecting 1.9 billion adults and 39 million children, in parallel with increasing rates of associated diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) worldwide. Considering that obesity is a complex and preventable multifactorial disease, the identification of the determinants and risk factors involved is vital in order to prevent and diagnose excess body weight at an early stage. In this context, this research had the following objectives: 1) To review the role of the gut microbiota depending on body weight with emphasis on childhood and or adult obesity (Chapter 1); 2) To analyze the role of sleep pattern and their relationships with liver health in a pediatric overweight or obese population (Chapter 2); 3) To evaluate the interactions of the parental-filial relationship and its putative associations with the microbiota based on omics technologies with the development of obesity (Chapter 3); 4) To assess the role of gut microbiota in obesity status and their relationship with quality of life (QoL) in a senior population (Chapter 4); and 5) To integrate and describe the interactions of anthropometric measurements and biochemical data to characterize individual phenotypic traits in the adult population (Chapter 5). The current understanding of the effect of prenatal and perinatal factors on the composition and function of the gut microbiota of children related to obesity was review. The results concerning the suggested that sleep hours may be a mediator factor in early NAFLD depending on body fat distribution in children with overweight and obesity. Furthermore, a parental-offspring microbiota association was established between parent Phascolarctobacterium succinatutens and child Massiliprevotella massiliensis, affecting to childhood obesity. Also, QoL was found to be closely related to the balance of the gut microbiota, and particularly to bacteria of the phylum Actinobacteria and the family Peptostreptococcaceae, and particularly to mental health domain. Finally, the waist circumference-triglyceride glucose (WC-TyG) index has a significant positive association with MetS and most of characteristic comorbid components. In conclusion, knowledge of the determinants and risk factors that affect obesity can help to improve precision nutritional management, anticipating diagnosis and personalizing treatment, reducing associated comorbidities and impact on healthcare systems.