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Childhood trauma linked to weight-regulating hormones
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The weight-regulating hormones leptin and irisin were elevated while adiponectin was decreased in people who experienced higher levels or repeated incidents of physical, emotional or sexual abuse or neglect as children, according to new research.
"What we are seeing is a direct correlation between childhood adversity and hormone impairment, over and above the impact abuse or neglect may have on lifestyle factors such as diet and education," Christos S. Mantzoros, MD, DSc, PhD, of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and the VA Boston Healthcare System, said in a press release.
Christos S. Mantzoros
In the cross-sectional study, a racially diverse group of 95 participants (mean age, 45.7 years) were separated into three groups based on the level of trauma or adversity experienced as a child. There were no significant differences in physical activity or diet between the groups, but BMI was higher in the group that experienced the highest amount of childhood trauma. Blood samples were collected from participants to measure leptin, irisin, C-reactive protein and adiponectin.
Multiple linear regression analysis revealed strong positive associations between high adversity and leptin (P=.01), as well as irisin (P=.01), independent of exercise or BMI. Adiponectin and C-reactive protein were positively associated with high adversity until adjusted for age, sex and race.
"This study helps illuminate why people who have dealt with childhood adversity face a higher risk of developing excess belly fat and related health conditions," Mantzoros said. "The data suggest that childhood adversity places stress on the endocrine system, leading to impairment of important hormones that can contribute to abdominal obesity well into adulthood."
The small sample size and cross-sectional structure of the study pose limitations. The researchers wrote that longitudinal cohort studies and controlled animal studies could answer further questions about the relationships between the hormones and childhood trauma.
"Understanding these mechanisms could help health care providers develop new and better interventions to address this population's elevated risk of abdominal obesity and cardiometabolic risk later in life."
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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