Adolescent BMI Changes May Explain Connection Between Air Pollution and Insulin Resistance

Recent research from the Keck School of Medicine of USC highlights the significant role of BMI changes during adolescence in understanding how air pollution exposure can lead to insulin resistance later in life. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, investigated the impact of traffic-related air pollutants, particularly nitrogen oxides, on young individuals.

The findings reveal that children exposed to higher levels of traffic pollution tend to have increased BMI by around age 13. This early weight gain is associated with a faster BMI trajectory through adolescence, which persists into early adulthood. Notably, these adolescents often experience rapid weight increase, which correlates with elevated insulin resistance in their mid-20s.

Lead researcher Fangqi Guo explained that approximately 42% of the link between early pollution exposure and insulin resistance could be attributed to accelerated BMI growth. Importantly, these results held even after considering confounding factors such as race, socioeconomic status, parental health history, and smoking.

The study utilized data from Meta-Air2, a part of the Southern California Children’s Health Study, following 282 children from kindergarten through their young adult years, with recent metabolic biomarker testing added in 2023. The research underscores the importance of early intervention strategies, including promoting healthy weight maintenance and improving air quality, to reduce the risk of developing chronic metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes.

With rising incidences of insulin resistance and diabetes among youth, these findings suggest that reducing traffic-related air pollution and managing weight during adolescence are crucial steps in public health efforts to mitigate long-term metabolic health issues.