Obesity in middle-aged women triggered by air pollution, evidence reveals

Obesity in middle-aged women triggered by air pollution, evidence reveals

Middle-aged women are more at risk of being obese if they are regularly exposed to air pollution, research finds.

Females in their 40s and 50s who live in highly polluted areas had a higher body mass index (BMI) and a bigger waist circumference than those who live in less polluted neighbourhoods, a new study has identified.

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Scientists from the University of Michigan have found that women are more likely to be classified as obese if they are frequently exposed to nitrogen dioxide, fine particles and ozone.

During the experiment, the team of researchers analysed the body size of more than 1,600 women involved in the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation.

They then compared their findings with how much air pollution is present in the participant’s hometowns.

The results show that the participants regularly exposed to air pollution had more body fat than those not exposed to air pollution.

According to the researchers, frequent exercise can combat the negative outcomes associated with air pollution.

The research was published in the journal Diabetes Care.