Introduction: The present study investigated the relationship between air pollution, specifically PM2.5 and PM10, and childhood and adolescent obesity in northern and central Taiwan. Previous research has shown a positive correlation between air pollution and pediatric obesity, but no study has been conducted in Taiwan. We used data from the K-12 Education Administration, Ministry of Education, and the Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Network to analyze the association between PM2.5 and PM10 exposures and obesity rates among elementary and junior high school students.
Methods: Data on students' height and weight were combined with air pollution data obtained from monitoring stations to assess exposure. A multivariable model estimated the relative risk and 95% confidence intervals of obesity linked to PM2.5 and PM10 exposures. Cities were categorized into quartiles (Q1-Q4) based on pollutant accumulation to compare the obesity rates.
Results: Students living in areas with higher PM2.5 and PM10 exposures (Q4) had a significantly higher risk of obesity than those living in areas with lower exposures (Q1). The effect was more pronounced in girls and older students, with PM2.5 exhibiting a stronger relationship than PM10.
Conclusions: PM2.5 and PM10 exposures are significantly associated with an increased obesity risk in children and adolescents, particularly in girls and older students. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and to control for socioeconomic and demographic factors.
Keywords: PM10; PM2.5; adolescents; children; obesity.