Can air pollution from cars cause weight gain?

Yes, a large study found that people living in areas with high car pollution were more likely to be obese and gain weight.

What particles in air pollution affect weight?

Microscopic particles like PM2.5 and PM10 found in traffic fumes and wood smoke are thought to trigger inflammation linked to weight gain.

Does wood burning in homes cause obesity?

Research suggests that pollution from wood-burning stoves may contribute to weight gain by affecting metabolism and inflammation.

Home / Health / Toxic Air Could Make You Fat, Study Finds

Toxic Air Could Make You Fat, Study Finds

4 Jan

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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.

Toxic Air Could Make You Fat, Study Finds

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.