Do we get fat because of air pollution? a new socio-economic approach

Abstract

Air pollution and obesity are two of the main challenges that need to be addressed in developed countries. This paper analyses the relationship between obesity/overweight rates and outdoor (ambient) air quality in Spain. The results confirm, through logistic regressions, that the typical profile of an obese/overweight person is that of an older man. Air pollution does not have a clear negative effect on obesity/overweight for our sample selection (OR: 0.99; N = 23,089, men and women aged 15 and over). Similarly, there does not appear to be an urban pollution/obesity pattern. However, we find a detrimental effect for the group of elderly people, perhaps linked to a negative exposure duration effect (OR: 1.11; for those aged ≥55 years, N = 10,932). In our study we argue that public policies should address lifestyles and at the same time reduce specific air pollutants to enhance population health and wellbeing.