JOEM: Association Between Air Pollution and Adolescent Obesity: An Ecological Study (July 2024)-JOEM: Association Between Air Pollution and Adolescent Obesity: An Ecological Study (July 2024)

JOEM: Association Between Air Pollution and Adolescent Obesity: An Ecological Study (July 2024)

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The study by Yulia Treister-Goltzman assessed the relationship between exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) and adolescent obesity worldwide. The research aimed to identify countries where these issues are most severe and focused on publicly available data from the World Health Organization. Findings revealed a positive association between air pollution and adolescent obesity, emphasizing a need for intervention in countries with high prevalence rates for both conditions. The study highlighted high rates of adolescent obesity in regions like Oceania, North and South America, Asia, and North Africa, with countries such as Venezuela, Algeria, Libya, and others facing significant challenges. Efforts to address these issues were recommended for local authorities and global organizations to focus on vulnerable areas. The analysis also considered factors like the Human Development Index and world regions to understand the complex relationship between air pollution and obesity. The association between PM2.5 exposure and obesity was consistent across various regions, emphasizing the importance of addressing air pollution to combat adolescent obesity. Although the study had limitations common to ecological studies, the broad scope and comprehensive analysis provided valuable insights into the global issue of adolescent obesity in relation to air pollution. The study also highlighted the need for further research to enhance understanding and guide effective interventions to tackle this critical public health problem.

Keywords

Yulia Treister-Goltzman

particulate matter

PM2.5

adolescent obesity

World Health Organization

air pollution

prevalence rates

Oceania

Human Development Index

global issue