Full report
Are microplastics in food a risk factor for obesity? Current evidence, mechanistic pathways and emerging health risks associated with human exposure
The 58-page full report integrates all strands of evidence, including:
- Environmental and dietary exposure pathways
- Experimental and mechanistic findings (in vitro and animal models)
- Human biomonitoring and epidemiological evidence
- Methodological limitations and uncertainties
- Public-health relevance and regulatory context
The full report provides the complete analytical framework and is the version of record for this work.
Access: The full report is available as a standalone publication.
Component publications (available on request): The report is available in two standalone components (see below): a research-focused analysis and a public health–oriented briefing. The research edition synthesises mechanistic and epidemiological evidence on microplastics and metabolic disruption, while the public health component examines population exposure, health inequalities and regulatory implications, framing microplastics as a potential contributor to the burden of obesity.
How to cite this report: CrossChannel Research & Publication Support. Are microplastics in food a risk factor for obesity? Current evidence, mechanistic pathways and emerging health risks associated with human exposure. London: CrossChannel Insights; 2025. doi: 10.65435/crosschannel.sota.2026.001
Research-focused component
Microplastics, Human Exposure Pathways, and Obesity Risk:
An Assessment of Evidence and Outstanding Research Gaps
This 35-page research-focused analysis deals exclusively with the scientific and methodological evidence base, including:
- Characterisation of microplastic exposure routes
- Experimental and mechanistic pathways relevant to metabolic health
- Strengths and limitations of current laboratory and observational studies
- Key gaps requiring further investigation
This component is intended for researchers, toxicologists, and biomedical scientists.
Availability: Available on request as a standalone component publication.
Public health component
Microplastics and Obesity:
Assessing an Emerging Public Health Risk
This 50-page public-health-focused analysis examines the population-level relevance of microplastic exposure, addressing:
- Dietary and environmental exposure at population scale
- Vulnerable populations and exposure inequalities
- Implications for non-communicable disease prevention
- Regulatory uncertainty and policy considerations
This component is intended for public-health professionals, policymakers, and regulatory stakeholders.
Availability: Available on request as a standalone component publication.
Selected Reference List
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- Hasegawa Y, Okamura T, Ono Y, et al. Oral exposure to high concentrations of polystyrene microplastics alters the intestinal environment and metabolic outcomes in mice. Front Immunol. 2024;15:1407936. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2024.1407936.
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- Thin ZS, Chew J, Ong TYY, et al. Impact of microplastics on the human gut microbiome: a systematic review of microbial composition, diversity, and metabolic disruptions. BMC Gastroenterol. 2025;25:583. doi:10.1186/s12876-025-04140-2.