I am honoured to be featured in the EASO Early Career Network Spotlight!
To introduce myself briefly, I am Teona Nutsubidze, an endocrinologist. I work at the National Institute of Endocrinology in Georgia and am pursuing my PhD at Tbilisi State University.
Balancing clinical practice and research presents both challenges and rewards. At this stage in my career, the ECN platform offers a unique opportunity to learn and grow alongside others who are just as passionate. I’m excited to be part of this inspiring network.
My Journey into Pediatric Obesity and Nutrition Research
During my endocrinology internship, I shadowed my mentor, Professor Elena Giorgadze, the founder of the Georgian National Institute of Endocrinology.
We encountered a case that profoundly shaped my perspective on metabolic health across different life stages.
A six-year-old girl struggling with obesity and showing signs of early puberty, very unusual for a child her age, was examined by Professor Giorgadze. There was no clear cause for the premature activation of her hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, yet her body was maturing early.
Initially, there was just one case, but soon after, another case emerged with similar complications. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I started seeing more and more cases with a troubling pattern: young girls with excess weight who were also hitting puberty earlier than expected. This wasn’t just a medical issue but a deeply personal struggle. These children not only faced the risk of future metabolic problems but also the weight of judgment, whispered comments, and being left out, making them feel ashamed of changes they had no control over – a heavy social burden to carry at such a young age.
I have become increasingly interested in how childhood metabolic health shapes long-term endocrine outcomes. While genetics and weight play a role, the key question is: how much does diet truly impact this? Is it just about excess calories, or does food quality have a greater influence? We can’t change genetics, but focusing on food quality and preparation rather than just cutting calories could significantly reshape childhood nutrition strategies.
Determined to find answers, I began my PhD journey in 2024. Our research examines how diets rich in processed foods, mainly those common in Western dietary patterns, contribute to a high intake of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), specifically focusing on carboxymethyl-lysine (CML). My team recently published our first paper on the topic: https://doi.org/10.52340/spectri.2024.09.01.01.
Our primary focus is on the prepubertal years (ages 6–9) when children establish independent dietary habits. To enhance our understanding, the next phase of our research aims to determine whether AGE consumption from ultra-processed foods (UPFs) significantly contributes to overall dietary intake or if its impact is relatively minor compared to other dietary sources.
While children’s diets have been well-studied in some parts of the world, there is far less data on those in Georgia and neighbouring regions. This gap makes it harder to understand local nutrition habits and develop effective dietary interventions.
In March 2025, our small yet dedicated team will launch Georgia’s first dietary study of 500 children aged 6–9. This study will establish the groundwork for regional dietary assessments by analysing the most commonly consumed foods, cooking techniques, and dietary advanced glycation end-product (dAGE) intake. It will include a 24-hour dietary recall through paper-based, face-to-face interviews and an adapted AGE Quick Score Questionnaire (Uribarri et al. (2010b)) to estimate dAGE exposure, refined to reflect Georgian food culture and preparation techniques better. This effort builds on the work of a pioneering research team, with particular guidance from Professor Jaime Uribarri, a key contributor to the most widely utilised dietary AGE database, whose expertise ensures the questionnaire’s accuracy and cultural relevance.
Recruitment will occur through clinics and social media, ensuring a representative sample. This study’s key hallmark is its focus on spreading nutritional awareness. Families will receive personalised meal planning support and dietary coaching to promote healthier eating habits.
We are actively looking for like-minded researchers and scientists who share our enthusiasm for pediatric nutrition and hormonal health. If you’re interested in collaborating or have conducted a similar study and would like to share your experience, please reach out. We would be thrilled to connect with you.
I’m on a Mission
Understanding how weight and nutrition influence metabolic health and pubertal timing isn’t just a research goal; I am on a mission. I know that might sound a bit ambitious, so let me explain.
The pursuit of academic research is deeply personal. Each discovery brings us closer to improving lives and enhancing patient care, whether as healthcare professionals, scientists, educators, or advocates.
Beyond my role as a clinician and researcher, I am also a patient. As a cancer survivor, I understand the urgency, hope, and challenges that accompany the fight against disease. My journey, which includes a successful stem cell transplant on April 15, 2018, a day I now celebrate as my second birthday – has shaped my commitment to research that genuinely matters to patients. This experience drives my determination to bridge the gap between science and real-world impact, ensuring that every discovery leads to meaningful change for those who need it most.
I would love to hear from you if you want to connect, collaborate, or exchange ideas. Let’s work together to make a difference.
Email: Drteona.n@gmail.com
Facebook: Endocrinologist Teona Nutsubidze