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The Role of Nutrients in Obesity and Related Metabolic Diseases: A Focus on Adipose Tissue

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Obesity".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 January 2026 | Viewed by 74

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Centro Italiano per la Cura e il Benessere del Paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), University Medical School of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: obesity; nutrition; diet; diabetes; metabolic syndrome; dyslipidemia; chrononutrition; circadian rhythms
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Obesity is a growing global health concern and a key risk factor for the development of metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. At the center of these interrelated conditions lies adipose tissue—not only as an energy reservoir but also as a dynamic endocrine organ that regulates systemic metabolism. Nutrients play a critical role in modulating adipose tissue biology, influencing adipogenesis, inflammation, lipid storage, insulin sensitivity, and thermogenesis.

This Special Issue aims to explore the complex interactions between specific nutrients, dietary patterns, and adipose tissue function regarding obesity and related metabolic diseases. We are particularly interested in how nutrient timing and circadian rhythms influence adipose tissue homeostasis and metabolic health. Disruptions in circadian regulation—whether due to irregular eating patterns, sleep disturbances, or shift work—can impair nutrient signaling and contribute to metabolic dysfunction.

We welcome submissions that address molecular mechanisms, clinical interventions, or population-based strategies. Original research, clinical trials, and narrative or systematic reviews focused on the nutritional regulation of adipose tissue are encouraged.

Dr. Ludovica Verde
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • obesity
  • adipose tissue
  • nutrients
  • metabolic syndrome
  • insulin resistance
  • inflammation
  • dietary intervention
  • circadian rhythms
  • energy metabolism
  • nutritional biochemistry

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

17 pages, 347 KB  
Article
Assessment of the Association Between Anthropometric Indices Related to Overweight and Obesity and Selected Trace Elements and Heavy Metals: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Grzegorz Józef Nowicki, Anna Maria Cybulska, Maciej Polak, Elżbieta Grochans, Romuald Bohatyrewicz, Eliza Blicharska, Tomasz Czernecki, Agnieszka Adamczuk, Magdalena Łapot and Barbara Ślusarska
Nutrients 2025, 17(19), 3141; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17193141 (registering DOI) - 30 Sep 2025
Abstract
Introduction: Over the last two decades, obesity has evolved into a global pandemic. Environmental pollutants, as endocrine disruptors, may play a key role in the development of obesity. The study aimed to assess the relationship between the concentration of certain trace elements and [...] Read more.
Introduction: Over the last two decades, obesity has evolved into a global pandemic. Environmental pollutants, as endocrine disruptors, may play a key role in the development of obesity. The study aimed to assess the relationship between the concentration of certain trace elements and heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Mn, Co, Cr and Fe) and ferritin in blood serum, with anthropometric and physiological parameters associated with overweight and obesity in individuals following myocardial infarction and without a previous myocardial infarction. Method: The study was conducted in a group of 146 respondents divided into two groups: a study group (SG) of patients that had a history of myocardial infarction (n = 74) and a control group (CG) of patients that had no history (n = 72). The inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was employed to assess the concentration of trace elements and heavy metals. Measurements were taken to determine the anthropometric indices associated with overweight and obesity. Results: In the SG, there was a positive correlation between Cr concentration and body adiposity index (BAI) and a negative correlation between Zn, Zn/Cu, and ferritin level and percentage body fat (FM%). In the CG, there was a positive correlation between Zn concentration and WHtR and between ferritin level and BMI, WC, WHR and WHtR. Additionally, a negative correlation was found between Mn concentration and WHR and ferritin level and BAI and FM%. Conclusions: This study found a link between certain blood concentrations of trace elements and heavy metals and anthropometric and physiological indices associated with overweight and obesity. It, therefore, has substantial implications for public health. Full article
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