A BYU study found that diesel exhaust exposure in mice led to fat cell growth and insulin resistance, suggesting pollution plays a role in weight gain and metabolic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
Lois M. Collins reports for Deseret News.
In short:
- Researchers exposed mice to diesel exhaust for 30 days, resulting in larger fat cells and higher insulin resistance.
- Diesel exhaust exposure was linked to the growth of visceral and subcutaneous fat, both harmful to metabolic health.
- Study authors noted that addressing pollution is important for managing metabolic diseases, alongside diet and exercise.
Key quote:
“There are non-caloric influences on body fat and inhaled pollution is one of them.”
— Benjamin Bikman, professor of cell biology.
Why this matters:
Pollution, especially diesel exhaust, may worsen metabolic health, contributing to rising global rates of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Mounting evidence suggests controlling air quality is essential for addressing these public health concerns.
