earticle

영어

Objectives: This study examined the effect of PM2.5, and the mediating effect of physical activity on adult obesity in Korea. Methods: Data of 27,155 adults participated in the 2016 to 2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included in the National Air Pollution Database. The effect of annual average PM2.5 on obesity was analyzed using logistic regression and generalized additive models, and the mediating effect of physical activity was tested using the bootstrap method. Results: When the annual average PM2.5 concentration exceeded the Korean air quality standard, the risk of obesity was significantly higher (OR=1.098, p<0.01), and the body mass index also significantly increased. Mediation analysis further indicated that physical activity partially mediated the association between annual average PM2.5 concentration and obesity. Conclusions: These findings suggest that exposure to PM2.5 may contribute to an increased obesity risk by reducing physical activity. The results provide evidence to support stricter particulate matter control and the promotion of physical activity in public health policies.