EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION ON OBESITY AND ECTOPIC FAT DEPOSITION

Abstract

Globally, 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).