Ishita Roy

Air Pollution Is Also Linked With Obesity And Many Other Diseases

Air Pollution In Delhi-NCR

The National Capital Region (NCR) has seen a spike in the Air Quality Index (AQI) post-Diwali. Several places in Delhi recorded AQI in the "very poor" category, while Anand Vihar recorded "severe", and crossed the 500 mark on the AQI meter. Sahibabad in Ghaziabad also recorded "very severe", touching the 500 mark. These AQI levels are reported as of November 5, (Tuesday), 9 am.

Gurugram recorded 484 "severe", Faridabad at 315 "very poor", Hauz Khas at 398 "very poor", Vasant Kunj at 439 "severe", Old Delhi at 312 "very poor", Burari at 451 "severe, parts of Noida (Sector 5) at 291 "poor", and Connaught Place at 369 "very poor".

<h4>The Link Between Air Pollution And Obesity </h4>

While we all know that air pollution is linked with several respiratory diseases, a new research also suggests that it may be linked to rising obesity rates. As per a 2021 study titled Effect of Air Pollution on Obesity in Children: A systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, there is a connection between air pollution and weight gain through biological behavioral mechanism. The major pollutants causing obesity are nitrous oxides, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and particulate matter.

These could lead to systematic inflammation and metabolic disturbances, which can lead to weight gain and obesity. The study mentions that fine particulate matter [PM2.5], when it enters our body, it influences the metabolism rates.

The 2021 study also revealed that increase in air pollution, and road traffic noise was also associated with childhood obesity. 

Another 2011 study titled The influence of air pollution on cardiovascular and pulmonary function and exercise capacity: Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS), found that air pollutants may indirectly impact body weight by raising the risk of chronic conditions like blood pressure, heart diseases or lung diseases. "Exposure to higher concentrations of air pollution was associated with higher resting blood pressure and lower ventilatory function. Ozone was associated with reduced exercise capacity," researchers of the study wrote.

The latest study published in 2024 titled The association between air pollution and obesity: an umbrella review of meta-analyses and systematic reviews, found that air pollution can impact metabolic function by influencing inflammation in fat tissue. It leads to an increase in oxidative stress and alters one's dietary habits.

In fact, pollution can also lead to gynaecological issues, said Dr Anuradha Kapur, Principal Director (Obstetrics &amp; Gynaecology) and Head of Unit, Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket. "Environmental pollutants, such as pesticides and microplastics, can affect reproductive health and hormone regulation, potentially impacting menstrual cycles," she said.

Dr Sonam Simpatwar, Gynaecologist with a diploma in reproductive medicine, practising at Central Railway Hospital, Mumbai further explained how pollutants impact women's health:

Endocrine Disruptors: Chemicals found in pollution, plastics, and pesticides can mimic or interfere with hormones, potentially affecting menstrual cycles.

Climate Change: Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and changes in water quality can impact food production, nutrition, and overall health, which can indirectly affect menstrual health.

Stress: Environmental stressors, such as pollution and climate change, can lead to increased stress, which is known to influence menstrual cycles.

"It's important to note that these are potential factors, and more research is needed to fully understand their impact on menstrual health," she said.

Health Conditions A-Z

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air pollution

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weight gain

menstrual health

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body weight

delhi smog

delhi pollution

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The National Capital Region (NCR) has seen a spike in the Air Quality Index (AQI) post-Diwali. Several places in Delhi recorded AQI in the "very poor" category, while Anand Vihar recorded "severe", and crossed the 500 mark on the AQI meter. Sahibabad in Ghaziabad also recorded "very severe", touching the 500 mark. These AQI levels are reported as of November 5, (Tuesday), 9 am.Gurugram recorded 484 "severe", Faridabad at 315 "very poor", Hauz Khas at 398 "very poor", Vasant Kunj at 439 "severe", Old Delhi at 312 "very poor", Burari at 451 "severe, parts of Noida (Sector 5) at 291 "poor", and Connaught Place at 369 "very poor".The Link Between Air Pollution And Obesity While we all know that air pollution is linked with several respiratory diseases, a new research also suggests that it may be linked to rising obesity rates. As per a 2021 study titled Effect of Air Pollution on Obesity in Children: A systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, there is a connection between air pollution and weight gain through biological behavioral mechanism. The major pollutants causing obesity are nitrous oxides, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and particulate matter. These could lead to systematic inflammation and metabolic disturbances, which can lead to weight gain and obesity. The study mentions that fine particulate matter [PM2.5], when it enters our body, it influences the metabolism rates.The 2021 study also revealed that increase in air pollution, and road traffic noise was also associated with childhood obesity. Another 2011 study titled The influence of air pollution on cardiovascular and pulmonary function and exercise capacity: Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS), found that air pollutants may indirectly impact body weight by raising the risk of chronic conditions like blood pressure, heart diseases or lung diseases. "Exposure to higher concentrations of air pollution was associated with higher resting blood pressure and lower ventilatory function. Ozone was associated with reduced exercise capacity," researchers of the study wrote.The latest study published in 2024 titled The association between air pollution and obesity: an umbrella review of meta-analyses and systematic reviews, found that air pollution can impact metabolic function by influencing inflammation in fat tissue. It leads to an increase in oxidative stress and alters one's dietary habits. Women's Health And PollutionIn fact, pollution can also lead to gynaecological issues, said Dr Anuradha Kapur, Principal Director (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) and Head of Unit, Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket. "Environmental pollutants, such as pesticides and microplastics, can affect reproductive health and hormone regulation, potentially impacting menstrual cycles," she said.Dr Sonam Simpatwar, Gynaecologist with a diploma in reproductive medicine, practising at Central Railway Hospital, Mumbai further explained how pollutants impact women's health:Endocrine Disruptors: Chemicals found in pollution, plastics, and pesticides can mimic or interfere with hormones, potentially affecting menstrual cycles. Climate Change: Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and changes in water quality can impact food production, nutrition, and overall health, which can indirectly affect menstrual health. Stress: Environmental stressors, such as pollution and climate change, can lead to increased stress, which is known to influence menstrual cycles. "It's important to note that these are potential factors, and more research is needed to fully understand their impact on menstrual health," she said.