Delhi Air Pollution: Does Pollution Lead To Weight Gain? Understanding The Link

Delhi air quality has been worsening further following Diwali celebration. In several parts of the national capital, the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassed 400 which is marked to be the ‘severe’ category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 433, Ashok Vihar was at 410 and Vivek Vihar was at 426. Dwarka, Patparganj, Jahangirpuri and Punjabi Bagh also recorded ‘severe’ AQI levels, according to a report in NDTV.

On the other hand, Lajpat Nagar, RK Puram, Lodi Road and North Campus reported an AQI above 370 which is marked as ‘very poor’. The city’s average 24-hour AQI at 7 AM on Monday was 373 which is a notable decline from Sunday.

AQI between 0-50 is considered “good”, 51-100 is “satisfactory”, 101-200 is “moderate”, 201-300 is “poor”, 301-400 is “very poor”, 401-500 is “severe” and above 500 is a “severe plus”.

Air pollution can cause several health issues and it is not just respiratory diseases. From cardiovascular diseases to neurological disorders and others. Air pollution can also lead to weight gain.

Here, take a look at the link between air pollution and weight gain.

Air pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can cause inflammation in the body. This can disrupt insulin signalling, thereby, increasing insulin resistance which eventually results in weight gain and obesity. Insulin resistance also impairs glucose metabolism and this causes the body to store more fat rather than use it for energy.

Air pollution is also known to cause hormonal imbalances, especially hormones that regulate hunger and fat storage like leptin and ghrelin. Increased exposure to pollutants can lower leptin sensitivity. This leads to poor satiety signalling and increased appetite. Over time, this imbalance may result in overeating and weight gain.

Pollutants tend to increase oxidative stress in cells, which affects the body’s ability to process fats and carbohydrates. Oxidative stress can also disrupt energy metabolism and cause fat storage. Metabolic dysfunction under such conditions can lead to weight gain.

Air pollutants can change the gut microbiota composition which plays an important role in weight management. When you have an unhealthy gut microbiome, it can lead to fat accumulation. This imbalance in gut bacteria can cause weight gain and obesity.

Poor air quality is one of the factors why people tend to avoid outdoor physical activity, indirectly opting for sedentary lifestyles. Reduced physical movement leads to weight gain as fewer calories are burned and muscle activity decreases.

Exposure to air pollutants can cause inflammation in the brain, in regions that regulate appetite and energy balance, like the hypothalamus. This inflammation can disrupt neural signals that control hunger and fullness, leading to increased food intake and cravings. This eventually leads to weight gain over time.

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