Recent studies show that prolonged exposure to air pollution which contains particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide, could lead to systemic inflammation and metabolic disturbances -- key in weight gain and obesity. Read more..
. Amid poor air quality in the national capital, doctors on Friday warned that the air pollutants, besides causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues, can also lead to weight gain, contribute to rising obesity rates, and also affect hormonal health. The air quality in Delhi-NCR on Friday morning was reported to be in the ‘very poor’ category with a thin layer of smog engulfing the region.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's average air quality index (AQI) at 7.15 a.m.
remained at 371. In seven areas of Delhi, the AQI level remained above 400 and between 450. The AQI was 410 in Anand Vihar, 411 in Bawana, 426 in Jahangirpuri, 402 in Mundka, 410 in Nehru Nagar, 402 in Shadipur, and 413 in Wazirpur.
“Air pollution can affect weight gain by altering metabolism and can also affect hormonal health. Air pollution causes metabolic disorders that can lead to weight gain. It can also cause inflammation which leads to obesity,” Dr.
Shailly Sharma, Senior Consultant and Associate Director, Obstetrician and gynaecologist, at Cloudnine Hospital, told IANS. “Air pollution can precipitate sedentary behaviour because it can cause certain respiratory symptoms like coughing, and shortness of breath, which can rest.