Can increasing pollution also cause obesity?

Relationship between obesity and air pollution: Due to increasing pollution, not only breathing problems but obesity is also becoming a serious problem nowadays. Pollution affects our physical health in many ways and it can also affect the hormonal balance of the body. Harmful particles and chemicals present in pollution can increase inflammation in the body, which can ultimately lead to weight gain. Apart from this, increasing pollution can also lead to reduced physical activity, stress and sleep problems, which are major causes of obesity. In this article we will understand how pollution affects our body and how it can cause obesity, and will also talk about measures to deal with this problem. For better information on this topic, we contacted Dr. Talked to Seema Yadav.

Relationship between obesity and air pollution

Air pollution consists of microscopic particles PM 2.5 and other harmful chemicals, which not only harm our respiratory system but also increase inflammation within the body. There are many studies that show that the entry of these harmful particles into the body can lead to insulin resistance. This condition slows down the body’s metabolism and promotes the process of accumulation of excess fat in the body. Apart from this, pollution also increases the level of stress hormones like cortisol in the body, which leads to weight gain.

decreased physical activity

Due to pollution, people go out less and physical activity reduces. When people go out less or stay indoors to avoid pollution, their calorie burning process slows down. Thus, low physical activity and sedentary habits can lead to weight gain.

stress and insomnia

Pollution affects not only physical health but also mental health. When the amount of pollution in the air increases, it can cause problems like stress, anxiety and depression. This mental condition disturbs the hormonal balance of the body and can cause obesity. Additionally, pollution can also affect the quality of sleep, hindering the body’s recovery and accelerating the process of weight gain.

What to do to avoid obesity in increasing pollution?

• To avoid obesity and pollution, do light exercise or yoga at home.
• To avoid pollution, use air purifiers at home and check the air quality before going out.
• Eat foods rich in anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Drink plenty of water to flush out inflammation caused by pollution and toxins accumulated in the body. It speeds up metabolism and helps in weight loss.
• To reduce stress, do breathing exercises and meditation.
• Eat a healthy diet including foods rich in vitamins A, C and E to protect the body from pollution. These elements help the body fight harmful pollution particles and maintain weight balance.
• It is difficult to control pollution completely, but we can reduce the damage caused by it by improving our lifestyle. This not only keeps obesity under control but also prevents other health problems.