Association of occupational exposure to pesticides with overweight in farmers in Southern Brazil

Abstract

IntroductionExposure to pesticides may be related to overweight and associated comorbidities. The aim of this work was to evaluate occupational exposure to pesticides, overweight and associated comorbidities among farmers in Southern Brazil.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included a random sample of 257 farmers, living in the municipality of Mafra and Planalto, southern Brazil. Data on pesticide use and overweight prevalence from farmers were collected using an in-person interview questionnaire, followed by blood collection and biochemical analyses.ResultsPesticide exposure was positively correlated with body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, triglycerides and glucose levels, presence of hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Besides that, the fact of being exposed to pesticides represents a decrease of no protein thiol groups. Furthermore, the main pesticides used by farmers have hepatic toxicity.ConclusionThese findings suggest that exposure to pesticides may be associated with overweight and associated comorbidities. Further studies are required to validate our findings and elucidate the specific mechanisms by which these pollutants contribute to the development of overweight.