TITLE:
Association between Exposure to Toll Highway Air Pollution and Overweight and Obesity Risk in Dakar: A Cross-Sectional Study
AUTHORS:
Mor Diaw, Adama Sy Ndiaye, Abdou Khadir Sow, Awa Ba/Diop, Robert Faomowe Foko, Aissatou Seck/Diop, Salimata H. Diagne/Faye, Maimouna Toure, Abdoulaye Samb, Mathilde Cabral, Aminata Mbow/Diokhane, Mamadou Fall, Abdoulaye Ba
KEYWORDS:
Air Pollution, Obesity, Body Composition, Toll Highway, Dakar
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Molecular and Integrative Physiology,
Vol.15 No.1,
September
25,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: In sub-Saharan Africa, air pollution is a growing public health concern, primarily linked to cardiorespiratory diseases, while its role in metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity remains insufficiently understood. This study assessed the association between traffic-related air pollution from toll highways and body composition in Dakar’s toll booth workers (Senegal). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2018 to October 2020 involving 122 employees of the Eiffage company at the Thiaroye and Rufisque toll booths. Data on sociodemographic, occupational, and lifestyle factors were collected via a structured questionnaire. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis to estimate fat mass, lean mass, and visceral fat. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Air pollution levels were obtained from the Air Quality Management Center (CGQA). Results: The mean age was 35.7 ± 7.1 years, with a mean BMI of 23.5 ± 3.7 kg/m2. Nine percent were smokers, working an average of 48 hours per week. No history of overweight or obesity was reported. Sixty-five percent had normal weight, 23% were overweight, 7% underweight, and 5% moderately obese. Men exhibited lower-than-reference lean mass, whereas women had excessive fat mass. Smoking was associated with normal lean and fat mass. BMI correlated positively with fat mass (r = 0.77) and abdominal fat (r = 0.89). PM10 concentrations ranged from 180 to 220 µg/m3, and PM2.5 from 60 to 120 µg/m3. Conclusion: Chronic exposure to air pollution from high-traffic toll highways is associated to overweight and obesity by increasing fat mass.