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Toxic Air Could Make You Fat, Study Finds
4 Jan
Summary
- Air pollution exposure linked to obesity and abdominal fat.
- Microscopic particles PM2.5 and PM10 may trigger inflammation.
- Pollution may slow metabolism and impair sugar processing, causing weight gain.
Exposure to air pollution, including emissions from vehicles and wood-burning stoves, is now linked to weight gain. A comprehensive study involving over four million individuals globally, including in the UK, revealed a significant association between living in polluted areas and higher rates of obesity.
Researchers found that microscopic particles, such as PM2.5 and PM10, can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. This penetration is believed to initiate long-term inflammation, potentially slowing the body's metabolism and increasing fat storage. It may also impair the body's efficiency in processing sugar, leading to weight accumulation.
The study, published in Environmental Research, indicated that higher concentrations of PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide correlated with increased BMI, larger waist circumference, and a greater likelihood of both general and abdominal obesity. This suggests air pollution could be a significant factor in weight gain, irrespective of an individual's eating habits.
