Obesity rates have been increasing globally since the mid-20th century. In the U.S., roughly 1 in 5 children (ages 2-18) are considered obese, meaning they have a greater body weight than might be expected for their height. Obesity, or increased adiposity (higher levels of fat), is not by itself bad. However, common co-morbidities with obesity, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, can be a cause for concern in some individuals. 

Causes underlying this trend are numerous. Our group is investigating environmental mediators of increased body weight, particularly through changing adipocyte (fat cell) biology. Individuals metals have complex relationships with body weight and fat accumulation in adipocytes. However, how metal mixtures might differ in their effects, and what metals go in to a mixture, are open (and important) questions.

This chapter of my dissertation began to answer how metal mixtures might affect fat cell physiology, potentially through endocrine mechanisms.