Pediatric Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism

Implications of adipocyte dysfunction in pediatric obesity: a narrative review

Isabela Sallati 1
,
Sanna Cristina Barbosa de Sousa 2
,
Giovanna Degasperi 3

  1. Undergraduate Student – Faculty of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas, Brazil

  2. Graduate Student – Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University
    of Campinas, Brazil

  3. Professor and Researcher – Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas, Brazil

Pediatr Endocrinol Diabetes Metab 2026; 32 (2):

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/pedm.2026.161340
Online publish date: 2026/06/05
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Obesity is a significant inflammatory disease that has become increasingly prevalent among children from different ethnic groups. Lifestyle choices, diet, and maternal obesity are key contributors to its development. This condition is associated with metabolic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, due to chronic low-grade inflammation, even in children. Adipose tissue contributes to this inflammatory profile through increased infiltration of immune cells and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this narrative review, we summarize the current and limited understanding of adipose tissue development and expansion in children, as well as emerging evidence suggesting that maternal obesity may significantly influence the offspring's metabolic profile.

Keywords

adipose tissue, childhood obesity, immune cells, maternal obesity

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