There are many now studies which converge epidemiologically and etiologically that the burden of inhaled air is related to the development of obesity, both in adults and adolescents, but also in children. And in fact, studies show that the younger ages of 2-5 years are more vulnerable to gaining weight. The above states to the Fm Agency and Tania Madouvalou o Panagiotis Halvatsiotis, associate professor of Pathology – Diabetes at the Faculty of Medicine, EKPAciting this year’s post-analyses in reputable scientific journals such as “Frontiers in Public Health”the British Medical Journaland the “Science of the Total Environment” which include studies in which more than 600,000 cases have been recorded. “It has been found that atmospheric pollutants, whether related to oxides of nitrogen, oxides of sulphur, – those that destroy even the Caryatids exposed to the air – do not only spoil the marble, but seem to affect and increase by 28% the probability of one becomes obese, because he inhales the vapors of these oxides. Ozone also, carbon monoxide, but also some suspended microparticles that are inhaled, pass through the lung into the general circulation and are carried to all parts of the body, where they create problems, which lead to the development of obesity, up to in malignancies. In fact, the World Health Organization has determined that currently most of these suspended microparticles in urban areas are at six times the concentration of what is predicted.”

What pathogens develop microparticles in relation to obesity

But what are the problems caused by these microparticles that enter the body in relation to obesity? “It appears that the bottom line in obesity is that fat is not accumulated in the buttocks, but rather in the abdomen. In other words, we have the phenomenon of abdominal obesity, and because the liver function is also affected, we have the so-called fatty degeneration of the liver, which can lead to steatohepatitis (the development of chronic inflammation in the liver). Once these microparticles enter the general circulation, they seem to modify the metabolism, but also weaken the immune system. So we have a more general inflammation in the tissues, an increase in the famous oxidative stress, because all these inhaled particles act as exogenous oxidants. It is next to develop insulin resistance in the tissues, which is a key element of both obesity and many other diseases, such as diabetes or Alzheimer’s. And of course we know that arterial hypertension and respiratory function are affected (eg chronic COPD sufferers have a worsening). Don’t forget that when the EMY or the health authorities tell us that the atmosphere is burdened, we stay at home. This means that our physical activity also decreases, which indirectly reduces the expenditure of calories, so the deposition of fat in our body increases.”

75% of residents in Greece overweight or obese – Obesity responsible for 13 cancers

Regarding Greece, Mr. Halvatsiotis points out that 75% of the inhabitants are overweight or obese and unfortunately for children, according to Eurostat, we are champions. “Obesity is responsible for 13 cancers, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, apnea, osteoarthritis, anxiety, depression, bullying in children. So it should be dealt with dynamically, as well as all the causes that give rise to it, which are not only the atmospheric air, but also our poor diet”. What are the measures that you think should be taken? According to the WHO and the health authorities, in order to reduce all these pollutants, we should stop the burning of fossil fuels, try renewable energy sources, so as not to burden the atmosphere, answers the professor.

“The problem of the earth is no longer hunger, but too many kilos”

Other measures that governments must take (and this has to do with the adoption of WHO standards) are to raise awareness among the people, to have data for each region separately. The local government should assist regionally with the study of the data and implement prevention measures, using all the tools of health promotion. Let us all claim our rights for a better tomorrow and let each of us examine how our daily lives negatively affect the environment. And so, in a way, we make it difficult for our children’s future. Behind obesity, many diseases are hidden, which cost either drugs, hospitalizations, or a reduction in life expectancy. And now, most people on earth are overweight, not starving. The problem of the earth is no longer hunger, but the many kilos and the burdening of the atmosphere with the necessities that we have created artificially, with the excessive nutrition”.