To curb child obesity, move to cleaner air

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Child obesity is a recognized epidemic in America. Over the last year, parents, pediatricians, and elementary school teachers have launched an aggressive campaign against sugars and fats. While effective, a recent study shows this attempt to remove fatty food from a child’s diet is futile if the child is predisposed to obesity. While it is true that obesity can be genetic, even children from families without the gene can be exposed to the dangers of obesity while still in the womb. This does not– as one might think– depend entirely on what the mother eats while pregnant. The prenatal factor that has been proven to lead to obesity is in fact what the mother inhales.




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The debate over air pollution has possibly existed longer than the concern for obesity has. Air pollution has been known to cause allergies, lung infections, and respiratory failure. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy is associated with an increased chance of having heavier children. The research concluded that air pollution contains endocrine disruptors and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)– endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in cigarette smoke and car exhaust. Like estrogen, PAHs interfere with some developmental and metabolic functions. According to the research findings, children born to mothers with the highest PAH levels during their third trimester had a 79% greater risk of becoming obese.




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While it is difficult to avoid air pollution– particularly for expectant mothers living in cities– it is possible to consciously avoid the worst sources of PAH exposure. This means avoiding second-hand cigarette smoke and similar exhaust. Knowing that air pollutants can cause child obesity– which is known to lead to diabetes– should be motivation enough for pregnant women to stay vigilant.



Child obesity is known to lead to type 2 diabetes– a growing issue for children in America. As the former Senior VP of Global Strategic Marketing and Services of Abbott Diabetes Care, Mary Szela takes this issue close to her heart. Read more about her advocacy on this website.