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Living around traffic noise could raise risk of obesity, new study finds

Living in area with excessive noise from traffic, trains or aircrafts, could lead to a risk of be...
Newstalk
Newstalk

19.49 26 May 2015


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Living around traffic noise co...

Living around traffic noise could raise risk of obesity, new study finds

Newstalk
Newstalk

19.49 26 May 2015


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Living in area with excessive noise from traffic, trains or aircrafts, could lead to a risk of becoming obese.

Research published in the British Medical Journal has found evidence that suggest that exposure to traffic noise has “adverse effects” on the metabolic system.

The research surveyed over 5000 Swedish men and women between 2002-2006, keeping an eye on both the noise levels around them and their waistlines. Most of the subjects were from semi-rural or suburban areas.

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The findings suggest that “Road traffic noise was significantly related to waist circumference”, and that, on average, for every extra five-decibels above the typical traffic level of 45 db there is a 0.2cm increase in waist size pf the person affected by the noise.

Some of the primary causes could be related to the reality that living in a built up area could hinder willingness or opportunities to exercise regularly. A possible chemical cause could also be at play. Report author Andrei Pyko said higher levels of stress associated with living in busier areas could be a contributing factor.

“One effect of stress might be release of stress hormones, including cortisol,” Mr Pyko said.

Mr Pyko says that an effect of the hormone is “accumulation of fat around the waist.”


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