Weight Gain? Air Pollution Also Shares Blame
11 Nov 2021
Not only does air pollution affect the lungs and respiratory system, but a new study shows that particulate matter and toxic particles may also lead to obesity. Let’s throw light on the reasons which cause obesity, and what needs to be done to avoid exposure to air pollution.
When it comes to finding out the reasons for obesity, we often lay the blame at the doorsteps of unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. There is no disputing this fact, but according to a study published in Environmental Health, air pollution may also lead to obesity if someone is exposed to high levels of particulate matter and tiny particles.
Traffic exhausts and smoke with irritating particles may potentially hurt the body’s ability to burn energy. The major pollutants, which are a contributing factor for obesity, include nitrous oxides (NOx), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5).
Deep Link Between Air Pollution and Obesity
A study, published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, shows some interesting facts that create a connection between air pollution and obesity. The study also looked into how people living in cities are more susceptible to developing heart and lungs diseases compared to those living in rural areas.
The scientists provided some mice with fresh and clean air, while others were given space with polluted air to examine their metabolic functions. Within 3 months, they found the mice that breathed in polluted air were found to have a greater volume of body fat compared to those exposed to fresh air. The fatter mice also developed some symptoms related to type 2 diabetes.
By all means, never fail to get all the sunshine and fresh air you can. – Joseph Pilates
Air Pollution May Unsettle Appetite Hormones
Fine particles, particulate matter less than 2.5 micro-metres wide, and ultrafine particles as small as 0.1 microns are found to be highly responsible for rattling the metabolic function.
When a person breathes in fine particles, the irritating substances make the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs inflate, which eventually obstructs oxygen to pass into the bloodstream.
As per a study, published in Environmental Health, exposure to pollutants may also interrupt the appetite hormones, consequently, you would feel hungry even when you have had your food.
How to Reduce the Exposure to Air Pollution?
Burning extra fat would become a tough task without having to know how the fine particles are disturbing our body’s metabolic function. Since we cannot deal with the global air pollution crisis on our own, but we can at least take control of our indoor air quality by making some fundamental changes in our lifestyle.
PetriMed CA™ Air Purification System is a next-gen solution to the rising level of poor air quality in indoor facilities like homes, offices, healthcare facilities, and others. Unlike ordinary air purifiers for home, it is efficient to trap 99.999% of dust and allergens due to HEPA 14 as per ISO 50U, including nano-silver anti-bacterial layer, activated carbon filter, built-in air ioniser, and UV-C disinfector.
A nutritious diet and regular workout are important practices to meet your fitness goal, but a fresh and healthy indoor environment will surely add to your overall health and wellness. Invest in an advanced air purification system to reduce the exposure to harmful toxins and pollutants.