The annual increase in AQI (air quality index) after Diwali has become a familiar phenomenon in North India, especially the National Capital Region. While air pollution has long been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular problems, research also shows that it may contribute to increased obesity rates.

Studies show that chronic exposure to particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide can cause systemic inflammation and metabolic disturbances, which are important factors leading to weight gain and obesity. According to studies, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which enters the bloodstream, affects the metabolic rate.

However, the association between ambient air pollution and weight gain or obesity is also dependent on the individual population, type, and severity of pollution.

What is obesity and how does it affect the body?

Obesity is a medical condition marked by excess body fat, often caused by an imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure. This increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and other health problems. It is a long-term condition that entails a complex physical and mental illness.

Since 1975, the number of obesity cases in the world has tripled. The Global Burden of Obesity Study shows that the number of deaths caused by high body mass index (BMI) has more than doubled globally from 1990 to 2017.

Obesity is a symptom of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and kidney problems. A body mass index of 30 or more indicates obesity.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), high BMI caused nearly five million non-communicable disease deaths in 2019.

air pollution and obesity link

There is growing evidence that air pollution is one of the risk factors for obesity.

A 2021 study conducted among Spanish children also showed that increased air pollution and road traffic noise were linked to childhood obesity.

Dr Vikas Maurya, senior director, department of pulmonology and sleep disorders, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi, said that since children and adolescents were more active and breathed more air than adults, their risk of being associated with obesity was higher. There was more possibility. Dr. Maurya said, “This in itself is a matter of serious concern.”

a meta-analysis Published in BMC Public Health found that air pollution can affect metabolic function by affecting inflammation in adipose tissue, increasing oxidative stress, and altering individual dietary habits.Breathing toxic air affects immune function and breathing pathways. This increases inflammatory markers and increases oxidative stress. Additionally, in one study, exposure to PM2.5 was found to have “negative effects on glucose metabolism.” This affects weight gain.

Another study published in Environmental Research suggests that air pollutants may also indirectly impact body weight by increasing the risk of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and lung disease.

“Exposure to higher concentrations of air pollution was associated with higher resting blood pressure and reduced ventilatory function. Ozone was associated with reduced exercise capacity,” the study researchers wrote.

Air pollution can cause metabolic disorders leading to weight gain. “It also increases inflammation in the body, which leads to obesity. The most important reason for weight gain is restriction of movement,” said Dr Shaili Sharma, senior consultant and associate director, obstetrics and gynaecology, Cloudnine Hospital, Faridabad. Said. ,

He said that since polluted air causes cough, shortness of breath can restrict physical activity, which is another cause of weight gain.

Although a link between air pollution and obesity has been established, more studies are needed to provide a better understanding of how different pollutants are affecting hormonal health and metabolism.