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Childhood Obesity Linked To Air Pollution From Vehicles (theguardian.com)
Early exposure to air pollution from vehicles increases the risk of children becoming obese, new research has found. From a report: High levels of nitrogen dioxide, which is emitted by diesel engines, in the first year of life led to significantly faster weight gain later, the scientists found. Other pollutants produced by road traffic have also been linked to obesity in children by recent studies. Nitrogen dioxide pollution is at illegal levels in most urban areas in the UK and the government has lost three times in the high court over the inadequacy of its plans. The pollutant also plagues many cities in Europe and around the world. "We would urge parents to be mindful where their young children spend their time, especially considering if those areas are near major roads," said Jeniffer Kim, at the University of Southern California, who led the new research. "The first year of life is a period of rapid development of various systems in the body [and] may prime the body's future development." The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed last Monday that 90% of the world's children are breathing unsafe air, a situation described as "inexcusable" by the WHO's head. Concern over the impact of toxic air on children's health is rising as research reveals serious long-term damage to both their physical and mental health.
And I'll say it again: The best possible thing that could happen for both the planet AND human beings is for the price of oil to skyrocket. Would it cause an economic disaster? Probably. Would it be worth it? Without a single doubt.
The subjects are ingesting more calories than their bodies need. That's why they become obese. It's that simple.
This is just stating the obvious while explaining nothing.
Of course fat people eat more. But WHY do some people eat more than others? And why have obesity rates TRIPLED since the 1980s? And why is there a huge disparity in obesity rates between different income levels and different ethnicities? And why have obesity rates soared in some countries, while barely changing in others?
Meaningless tautologies like "people are fat because they eat more" explains none of that.
Of course fat people eat more.
Not awlays. Be careful here...
But WHY do some people eat more than others?
Because food is cheaper than ever before...
And why have obesity rates TRIPLED since the 1980s?
See above; plus the increased drinking of sugars and sodas since the 80s.
And why is there a huge disparity in obesity rates between different income levels and different ethnicities?
All of the above; plus, it depends on where these ethnic people are found. Black Africans in East Africa are of the "thin build." Their "cohorts" in the USA for example are primarily obese. Sad but true. Those in Africa consume less to no processed foods, eat generally less and are more physically active.
And why have obesity rates soared in some countries, while barely changing in others?
It's soared in "rich" countries because of the above and the fact that these days, people do not necessarily burn more calories while working. Automation has a lot to do with what we see.