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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/11375/31484
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DC FieldValueLanguage
dc.contributor.advisorde Souza, Russell J-
dc.contributor.authorMunir, Mehnaz-
dc.date.accessioned2025-04-11T19:46:13Z-
dc.date.available2025-04-11T19:46:13Z-
dc.date.issued2025-
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/11375/31484-
dc.description.abstractGlobally, the prevalence of obesity tripled between 1975 and 2016. Alongside well-known risk factors such as an unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, and genetic predisposition, recent studies suggest that air pollution may also contribute to the obesity epidemic. However, evidence remains inconclusive due to variations in demographics, study designs, and types of pollutants examined. Additionally, few studies have investigated the relationship between air pollution and ectopic fat deposition. This dissertation aims to advance the understanding of ambient air pollution and its association with obesity and body fat distribution. It begins with a systematic review protocol and the resulting systematic review and meta-analysis (Chapters 2 and 3). These are followed by two manuscripts that explore this association using data from a pan-Canadian study. These studies adjust for key covariates and incorporate MRI measures of body fat distribution, including visceral fat, to provide deeper insights (Chapters 4 and 5).en_US
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.subjectAir pollutionen_US
dc.subjectObesityen_US
dc.subjectEctopic fatsen_US
dc.subjectBody Mass Indexen_US
dc.subjectPM-2.5en_US
dc.subjectNitrogen dioxideen_US
dc.subjectOzoneen_US
dc.subjectSulphur dioxideen_US
dc.subjectVisceral Fatsen_US
dc.subjectLiver fatsen_US
dc.titleEFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION ON OBESITY AND ECTOPIC FAT DEPOSITIONen_US
dc.typeThesisen_US
dc.contributor.departmentGlobal Healthen_US
dc.description.degreetypeThesisen_US
dc.description.degreeDoctor of Philosophy (PhD)en_US
dc.description.layabstractAir pollution may contribute to the obesity epidemic, but evidence remains inconsistent due to varying results across study designs and populations. Little research has examined air pollution’s effects on body fat distribution, particularly visceral fat, which poses significant health risks. This dissertation explores the links between air pollution and obesity through a systematic review and meta-analysis, and primary analyses of data from a pan-Canadian cohort study. These studies account for confounding factors including age and sex and utilize advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI, to quantify fat deposits. The findings provide valuable insights to inform prevention strategies and improve public health.en_US
Appears in Collections:Open Access Dissertations and Theses

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