Good thing living an an urban area forces a lot of walking. According to a new study, pollution is linked to obesity. Performed by researchers from Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, newborn rats in the highly polluted Bejing were a lot fatter than rats breathing clean air. The researchers believe breathing pollution leads to chronic inflammation, which prohibits energy from being burned more easily. But before you start looking up rents in the Midwest, note that the researchers say this is a risk primarily for childhood obesity, not adults.(Still, not the most encouraging news — especially if you’re a parent.) Breathing polluted air can lead to cardiovascular problems — for people of all ages — making it harder to exercise, another factor that is worth noting. Want to depress yourself even more? Read the full report here. Follow Emily on Twitter: @EmLaurence
Is city pollution making you fat?
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