ABSTRACT. Aim.
To conduct a multidimensional analysis of trace element status (Zn, Se, Fe, Cu, I, Co) in obese patients in the Moscow region (2019–2022) to test the "metallo-obesity" hypothesis and assess the contribution of socio-economic factors (inflation, dietary structure) to the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders.
Materials and methods.
A retrospective analysis of a dataset of laboratory data (blood serum and hair) from a sample of more than 20,000 patients was performed. The concentration of chemical elements was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Spearman's correlation analysis was used to identify links between the biochemical profile and economic indicators (CPI, real income).
Results.
Contrary to traditional views on zinc and selenium deficiency as a marker of obesity, their levels in the population remained stable. The study revealed an alternative phenotype of dysregulation: chronic copper (Cu) deficiency in 2019–2021, limiting mitochondrial respiration and angiogenesis, and a progressive decrease in iodine (I) and cobalt (Co) by 2022, forming a hypothyroid background. A pronounced negative correlation was established between inflationary pressure and iron/iodine status. This confirms the "hidden hunger" phenomenon caused by the substitution of high-quality proteins with cheap carbohydrates high in phytates, which block metal absorption. Metabolic syndrome in a modern megalopolis is characterized by risks of tissue hypoxia and reduced basal metabolic rate against the background of Cu, I, and Co deficiency.
Conclusion.
Traditional antioxidant therapy requires revision in favor of precision replenishment of identified deficiencies. This is particularly relevant in the era of GLP-1 agonist therapy: against the background of baseline micronutrient insufficiency, a sharp decrease in caloric intake creates a high risk of iatrogenic malnutrition and muscle mass loss, requiring mandatory laboratory monitoring and nutritional support.
KEYWORDS: obesity, trace elements, copper, iodine, hidden hunger, economic factors, GLP-1, urbanization.
For citation: Shvetc Yu.Yu. Metabolic dysregulation in an urbanized environment: multidimensional analysis of trace element status, socio-economic determinants and molecular pathophysiology of obesity. Trace elemets in medicine. 2026;27(2):10-16. DOI: 10.19112/2413-6174-2026-27-2-10-16
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Information about the author:
Yuriy Yu. Shvetc – Ph.D. (Economic), Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of Medical Elementology
E-mail: jurijswets@yahoo.com; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6557-1416; SPIN: 7942-1891