IMPACTO METABÓ LICO DE LOS PESTICIDAS EN EL DESARROLLO DE OBESIDAD Y DIABETES

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represent chronic patholog ic a l entities with increasing global incidence, whose etiology is multifactorial, ranging from lifestyle to environmental factors. Among the latter, exposure to pesticides has aroused notable scientific interest, suggesting a potential association with metabolic alterations. Objective: To evaluate the available evidence in the scientific literature regarding the metabolic impact of pesticides on the developm ent of obesity and T2DM. Methodology: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, selecting observati on a l studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses from biomedical databases up to the year 2023. Inclusion criteria comprised studies in humans and animal models evaluating the effect of pesticide exposure on metabolic parameters related to obesity and T2DM. Results: Synthesis of the evidence indicated that pesticide exposure is associated with endocrine disruption, promoting adipogenesis and insulin resistance. Epidemiolog ic a l analyses correlate the presence of pesticide residues with increases in the prevalence of obesity and T2DM. Animal models support these findings, showing alterations in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism following pesticide exposure. Conclusions: Pesticides emerge as significant environmental risk factors for metabol i c dysfunction, enhancing the development of obesity and T2DM. This association highligh ts the need to establish stricter regulatory policies and develop intervention strategies to minimize pesticide exposure in at-risk populations.