Amid the worsening air quality in the national capital, doctors warned on Friday that air pollutants, in addition to causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues, can also contribute to weight gain, rising obesity rates, and hormonal imbalances.
On Friday morning, the air quality in Delhi-NCR was reported to be in the ‘very poor’ category, with a thin layer of smog blanketing the region. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reported that Delhi’s average air quality index (AQI) at 7:15 AM stood at 371.
In seven areas of Delhi, the AQI level was above 400, with readings between 450. Anand Vihar had an AQI of 410, Bawana 411, Jahangirpuri 426, Mundka 402, Nehru Nagar 410, Shadipur 402, and Wazirpur 413.
“Air pollution can contribute to weight gain by affecting metabolism and hormonal health. It causes metabolic disorders, which can lead to weight gain and obesity. Additionally, it triggers inflammation that can exacerbate these conditions,” said a senior consultant and associate director of obstetrics and gynaecology.
“Air pollution can also encourage sedentary behavior due to respiratory symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath, which limit physical activity and contribute to weight gain. It also increases insulin resistance, leading to further weight gain and obesity,” they added.
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Recent studies have shown that prolonged exposure to air pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide can lead to systemic inflammation and metabolic disturbances, both of which are key factors in weight gain and obesity.
A meta-analysis published in BMC Public Health in July found that air pollution affects metabolic function by influencing inflammation in fat tissue, increasing oxidative stress, and altering dietary habits.
Breathing in toxic air impacts immune function and respiratory pathways, raising inflammation markers and increasing oxidative stress.
A pulmonologist at a hospital in Delhi NCR noted that while reports link air pollution to metabolic disruptions and obesity, the exact mechanism by which air pollution affects metabolism and hormonal health is not yet fully understood.
“Air pollution is an irritant, causing inflammation in the airways, which leads to the release of inflammatory markers into the body. This affects various organs and disrupts the hormonal balance, potentially increasing pro-inflammatory markers. This can worsen conditions like cholesterol imbalance, high blood pressure, and diabetes, which are key components of metabolic syndrome,” the doctor explained.
Studies also suggest that long-term exposure to air pollution can disrupt hormone levels, leading to imbalances and potentially reducing fertility and conception rates.