How air pollution can make children fatter

In 10 seconds? Research has found a strong link between air pollution and childhood obesity pointing at certain vehicle exhaust fumes and second-hand smoke as the culprits.

Wait, can pollution really make kids overweight? Well, it can put them at risk. Several studies have found that exposure to roadside pollution before or soon after birth is linked to an increased body mass index (BMI) in children, with a 2021 systematic review (the type of research paper with the strongest evidence) concluding a ‘significant association’ between air pollution and childhood obesity. And we are not only talking about car fumes but second-hand cigarette smoke too!