# Environmental Obesogens and Weight Change in the POUNDS LOST Trial

> **NIH NIH R01** · HARVARD UNIVERSITY D/B/A HARVARD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH · 2024 · $490,983

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
The role of environmental chemicals known as obesogens in the etiology of human adiposity has been
increasingly appreciated. In this proposal, we aim to evaluate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and
heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) in relation to weight change in human subjects. The carcinogenic effects
of these ubiquitous pollutants are well-documented, and emerging evidence suggests that these chemicals
may also disrupt endocrine functions through exerting estrogenic effects and other pathways. Limited human
evidence, often from cross-sectional studies, also supports the hypothesis that these chemicals are potential
obesogens, although prospective data are needed to substantiate the associations between these chemicals
and excess weight gain in humans. We propose to 1) examine excretion of PAHs and HAAs in 24-hour urine
samples in relation to short-term weight loss induced by energy restriction in the POUNDS Lost trial; 2)
evaluate whether changes in urinary excretion of these chemicals during weight loss period predict weight
regain in the POUNDS Lost trial; and 3) investigate associations between levels of these chemicals in 24-hour
urine samples and long-term weight change in women and men participating in the Nurses' Health Study II
(NHSII) and Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA). In addition, in light of the pathways
through which these two groups of chemicals may synergistically amplify each other's detrimental effects, we
will also examine potential interactions between PAHs and HAAs on weight loss, weight regain, and long-term
weight change in the studies. To ensure high quality scientific data, we have carefully designed our proposed
studies. In the POUNDS Lost, NHSII, and CARDIA studies, we will quantify PAHs and HAAs in 24-hour urine
samples to substantially improve the reproducibility of urinary measurements over time. In all three studies,
body weight and a multitude of other variables that are related with body weight change have been collected
repeatedly during follow-up, allowing for comprehensive, longitudinal data analyses. We will restrict the
research to largely healthy, non-smoking individuals to minimize the impact of chronic diseases and smoking
on the associations of interest. To accomplish the aims, we have assembled an experienced research team
with interdisciplinary expertise in the fields of environmental health, obesity epidemiology, biomarker research,
biostatistics and bioinformatics, and toxicology. We will collaborate with highly reputable labs at the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention to measure PAH and HAA levels in 24-hour urine samples. Data to be
generated from this project will substantially deepen our understanding of the potential, obesogenic effects of
PAHs and HAAs in human populations. Moreover, evidence from this proposed research will also aid in the
development of policies or recommendations toward reducing exposures to these chemical...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10808077
- **Project number:** 5R01ES022981-09
- **Recipient organization:** HARVARD UNIVERSITY D/B/A HARVARD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
- **Principal Investigator:** Qi Sun
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $490,983
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2014-07-01 → 2026-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10808077

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10808077, Environmental Obesogens and Weight Change in the POUNDS LOST Trial (5R01ES022981-09). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10808077. Licensed CC0.

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