Exposure to PM2.5 and its components leads to obesity: role of socioeconomic status

Abstract

Abstract Exposure to air pollutants is linked to an increased risk of obesity, and socioeconomic status (SES) could modulate this risk. We employed the “Jinchang Cohort” as a platform to investigate the influence of SES (education level, monthly income per household, and marital status) on the obesity risk associated with PM2.5 and its constituents. Study has demonstrated that air pollutant exposure enhances the likelihood of overweight/obesity, with a risk ratio (HR) of 1.229 for each quartile increase in PM2.5 concentration (95% CI: 1.137–1.328, P < 0.05). The risk of overweight/obesity rises with pollutant levels across various SES strata, with the effect being most marked among those with higher SES. For instance, the HRs and 95% CIs for overweight/obesity with each quartile increase in SO4 2− concentration were 1.338 (1.207–1.484), 1.311 (1.121–1.533), and 2.224 (1.823, 2.714) at low, medium, and high SES levels, respectively (all P < 0.05). An interaction between air pollutants and SES was observed in the context of obesity risk, with RERIs of 0.723 (0.473–0.973) and 0.562 (0.268–0.856) for medium-high SES levels and high NO3 − exposure, respectively (both P < 0.05). These findings have practical implications. Public health campaigns could be launched to raise awareness among higher SES individuals about the obesity risk associated with air pollutants and encourage them to adopt preventive measures such as using air purifiers and increasing physical activity.

Keywords

• PM2.5
• Components
• Socioeconomic status
• Obesity