In a new study, researchers found that the increasing average body size of people on Earth, in addition to the growing world population may further challenge attempts to reduce man-made carbon dioxide emissions.
The research was conducted by a team at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark.
All oxygen-dependent organisms on the planet produce carbon dioxide as a result of the metabolic processes necessary to sustain life.
Total carbon dioxide production from any species is linked to the average metabolic rate, the average body size and the total number of individuals of the species.
To assess the impact of obesity on the environment, the researchers used the standard definitions of obesity (body mass index of greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2) and normal weight (body mass index of less than 25).
They found compared with an individual with normal weight, an individual with obesity produces an extra 81 kg/y of carbon dioxide emissions from higher metabolism, an extra 593 kg/y of carbon dioxide emissions from greater food and drink consumption and an extra 476 kg/y of carbon dioxide emissions from car and air transportation.
Overall, obesity is linked to approximately 20 % greater greenhouse gas emissions when compared to people with normal weight.
Also, maintenance of greater body weights requires more food and drinks to be produced and transported to the consumers.
Similarly, the transportation of heavier people is associated with increased consumption of fossil fuels. This results in additional carbon dioxide emissions related to food production and transportation processes.
Globally, obesity was estimated to contribute to an extra 700 megatons of carbon dioxide emissions per year or about 1.6 percent of all man-made emissions.
The researchers emphasize that it is critically important that this new information does not lead to more weight stigmatization.
People with obesity already suffer from negative attitudes and discrimination, and numerous studies have documented several prevalent stereotypes.
Physical activity is also linked to much more carbon dioxide being produced compared with rest, but no one will ever think of stigmatizing people who exercise for having a negative effect on the environment.
The team says that in addition to beneficial effects on morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs, managing obesity can favorably affect the environment as well.
One author of the study is Faidon Magkos from the Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports.
The study is published in Obesity.
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