Association Between Long Term Exposure to PM_2.5 and Its Components on Severe Obesity in Chinese Children and...

The aim of this study was to explore the association between long-term exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm (PM_2.5) and its components and severe obesity in children and adolescents.

Data for children and adolescents aged 9-18 in this cross-sectional study were obtained from the 2019 Chinese National Survey on Students' Constitution and Health (CNSSCH). Data for PM_2.5 and its components were obtained from the Tracking Air Pollution in China (TAP) dataset and matched with information on these children. Logistic regression models were used to assess the risk of severe obesity associated with long-term exposure to PM_2.5 and its components.

A total of 160,205 children were included in the analysis. Long-term exposure to PM_2.5 may increase the odds of severe childhood obesity, with this effect being more pronounced in girls. Among boys, the component with the most significant impact on severe obesity was organic matter (OM). The impact of PM_2.5 and its components on severe obesity was greater in children from low economic and low parental education level households. Children with unhealthy lifestyle habits have higher odds of severe obesity due to long-term exposure to PM_2.5 and its components.

The findings of this research support the development of strategies aimed at addressing severe obesity in children, suggesting that adopting healthy lifestyle practices could mitigate the odds of severe obesity due to PM_2.5 and its components. There is a need for an increased focus on children in economically underdeveloped areas and those with unhealthy lifestyle habits, particularly those in rural areas and those who do not engage in adequate physical activity or get enough sleep.