Pollution may amplify stress and disrupt metabolism, creating a harmful cycle that leads to obesity, according to researchers.
Pamela Ferdinand reports for U.S. Right to Know.
In short:
- A systematic review of 42 studies links pollution to stress-induced obesity, noting biological and environmental factors that exacerbate the problem.
- Pollutants like pesticides, plastics, flame retardants and heavy metals disrupt hormones and stress pathways, increasing fat storage and appetite.
- Obesity further reduces the body's ability to eliminate toxins, worsening pollution’s long-term effects.
Key quote:
“We provide evidence that in most articles, pollution is responsible for stress-response disruption and results in weight gain.”
— Study researchers, Obesity Reviews
Why this matters:
The connection between pollution and rising obesity rates adds another layer of complexity to the global health crisis. While obesity has long been linked to diet, exercise and genetics, emerging research shows that environmental pollutants may disrupt the body's metabolism and stress responses, contributing to weight gain and associated chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer.
Related EHN coverage: Indoor air pollution and heavy metals linked to child obesity
