Does Air Pollution Cause Weight Gain?

Exposure to air pollution was linked to higher body fat, higher proportion fat and lower lean mass among midlife women.

Air pollution increases mid-life women's weight, body mass index, waist circumference and body fat, revealed scientists.

For instance, body fat increased by 4.5 percent, or about 2.6 pounds, according to the study published in the journal Diabetes Care.

Link Between Air Pollution and Obesity in Women

Data for the study came from 1,654 white, Black, Chinese, and Japanese women from the 'Study of Women's Health Across the Nation'.

Air Pollution - Pollutants - Health Effect - Efforts to Reduce
Nearly 2.4 million deaths every year are attributable to air pollution. Air pollutants may be solid particles, liquid droplets or gases. Proper planning methods should be adopted to reduce air pollution.

‘Women in their late 40s and early 50s exposed long-term to air pollution specifically, higher levels of fine particles, nitrogen dioxide and ozone saw increases in their body size and composition measures.’

These women, whose baseline median age was nearly 50 years, were tracked from 2000 to 2008.

Researchers explored the interaction between air pollution and physical activity on body composition.

High levels of physical activity was an effective way to mitigate and offset exposure to air pollution, the research showed.

Quiz on Obesity

“We are indeed much more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us to be much more than what we are”. - Adelle Davis

There are thousands out there battling ‘the bulge’. With childhood obesity on the rise even children are not spared. If your weight issues are threatening to weigh you down learn more about obesity by taking part in this quiz.

"Since the study focused on midlife women, the findings can't be generalized to men or women in other age ranges," Wang said.

Obesity has been a major global health issue in recent decades as more people eat unhealthy diets and fail to exercise regularly.

Body Mass Index
The BMI calculator helps you assess your weight indicating if it is normal or if you are underweight or overweight, based on your height.

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How to Lose Weight?
Slide show which explains obesity causes and tips on how to lose weight. Exercising before breakfast is most effective for weight loss.