In April 2018 researchers from South Korea published the results of their study to investigate whether air pollution had any effect on obesity. Data was analysed from 2,608 users living in 10 large cities around the world who were using a smartphone app for intentional weight loss. Daily calorie intake, daily weight, daily physical activity, geographical coordinates, seasons, age, gender were all analysed and the results matched with annual air pollution values. Results confirmed that air pollution had a significant effect on intentional efforts to lose weight.
Ustulin M et al. Air pollution has a significant negative impact on Intentional efforts to lose weight: A global scale analysis. Diabetes Metab J. 2018 Apr 24. [Epub ahead of print]