Childhood obesity is a concerning epidemic. An alarming 32 percent of kids are considered overweight. Experts often put the blame on poor diet and lack of exercise. There is no doubt that these can and do have a direct effect on a child's weight. Physical environment, however, also plays a role in childhood obesity. Air pollution may play a role in childhood obesity.
The Role of Environmental Toxins in Childhood Obesity
Though food toxins are often linked to obesity, several recent studies show the connection between air pollution and childhood obesity. Environmental toxin are both visible and invisible. They are found indoors and outdoors. Examples of air pollution include smog, smoke, carbon dioxide, mold, fumes from cleaning products and formaldehyde. Pollutants can spread from your air conditioning unit and your heating ducts.
Children are especially susceptible to air pollutants. In addition to air pollution and pollution in the home, children are often exposed to added risk in their schools and from the buses they ride to school. As these particles settle in their lungs, they are at greater risk for developing health problems.
Fetuses Exposes to Air Pollution are Predisposed to Childhood Obesity
School age children aren't the only ones at risk for developing childhood obesity from air pollution. According to Consumer Affairs, pollutants in the air, including cigarette smoke, can predispose a fetus for obesity. The baby is then born with metabolic syndrome and is more likely to experience hunger pains and feel a frequent need for food. Fetuses exposed to pollutants are more likely to develop weight problems as children and adults. Having a predisposition to gain weight makes it that much harder to control through diet and exercise.
Study Shows Air Pollution Increases Risk of Obesity and Associated Health Problems
Another recent study on mice shows that they have increased fat, higher blood pressure and higher blood sugar levels when exposed to air pollution. Regardless of diet, those mice exposed to pollutants experienced more weight gain and obesity-related health problems. This study offers more proof that diet and exercise aren't the only problems that lead to obesity. Air pollution is responsible for increasing the risk of childhood obesity and associated health problems.
Air Pollution is Linked to Asthma and Childhood Obesity
Air pollution causes inflammation in the body, which is also linked to obesity. Pollution causes type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, sleep apnea and insulin resistance. Furthermore, air pollution worsens asthma, which is also closely linked to childhood obesity. Both asthma and childhood obesity have been on the rise and that may not be a coincidence.
Resources:
Science 20. Pollution Increases Risk Obesity Study," Dec 2010.
Cosumer Affairs. "Does Pollution Play a Role in Obesity?" Feb 2007.
Health and Energy. "Air Pollution Causes and Effects," Tom Socha.
Tracy Rose - Tracy Rose is a powerflifter who holds the state record in deadlifting and has had success in her own weight loss journey.
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