Older adults run the risk of high levels of an obesity-related hormone if they're exposed to rising traffic pollution, a new study finds.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that obesity is prevalent among 35.4 percent of adults above the age of 60. The CDC also notes that it is a costly condition, with obese people paying $1,429 more per year in medical costs than those with normal weight.
The current study shows that the levels of obesity-related hormone leptin increase when older adults have high exposure to traffic pollution. The study, led by Gregory A. Wellenius of Brown University, made the observations after examining a significant association between exposure to black carbon, a measure of fine-particle air pollution from traffic sources and leptin levels.
Researchers noted that people with high blood pressure, diabetes and from low-income backgrounds had higher exposure to black carbon.
Experts have associated higher levels of leptin, an "inflammatory cytokine," with increased rates of heart disease, obesity and diabetes. The team adjusted for these differences. They stated that average leptin levels were 27 percent higher for older adults in the highest category of black carbon exposure.
Researchers were unable to confirm the reason behind this association. However, they said that leptin levels might help determine the increase in cardiovascular disease risk due to air pollution.
"If confirmed, these findings support the emerging evidence suggesting that certain sources of traffic pollution may be associated with adverse cardiometabolic effects," said Wellenius.
An alternative measure of exposure to traffic-related pollution, residential distance to the nearest major roadway, was unrelated to leptin levels.
According to the findings of another recent study, 20 states in America have at least 30 percent adult obesity rate and Mississippi and West Virginia have highest rates with 35.1 percent.
"Obesity in America is at a critical juncture. Obesity rates are unacceptably high, and the disparities in rates are profoundly troubling," said Jeffrey Levi, executive director of Trust for America's Health. "We need to intensify prevention efforts starting in early childhood, and do a better job of implementing effective policies and programs in all communities - so every American has the greatest opportunity to have a healthy weight and live a healthy life."
The current study was published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
