Sex differences in the association between air pollution and obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Environ ResJun 23, 2026 (epub)
Xunziyin Wan, Wen Li, Edward Mullins et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined sex-specific associations between air pollution and obesity in approximately 800,000 adults. The study found that air pollution is linked to increased odds of general and abdominal obesity in both sexes, with females showing slightly stronger associations for ozone (ROR 1.06) and nitrogen dioxide (ROR 1.03) regarding general obesity.
Key findings
- Air pollution was associated with higher odds of general and abdominal obesity in both sexes.
- For general obesity, females had a stronger association with O3 (ROR 1.06) and NO2 (ROR 1.03) than males.
- The analysis included 28 studies, with 16 contributing to the meta-analysis.
- Most studies were conducted in China, highlighting a need for diverse research.
Why it matters
Understanding the differential impact of air pollution on obesity by sex can inform public health strategies and interventions aimed at reducing obesity rates, particularly in vulnerable populations.