Road traffic noise exposure association with self-reported body mass index

New epidemiological evidence is starting to emerge about the association between road traffic noise (RTN) exposure and markers of obesity, but results have been controversial. This study aimed to determine the association between RTN exposure and self-reported body mass index (BMI) in the city of Plovdiv, Bulgaria. A cross-sectional non-probabilistic survey was carried out among 513 residents (18-83 years). BMI was calculated from self-reported body weight and height and linked to individual exposure to RTN. Linear and Poisson regression models were set up to explore the total and direct effects of RTN on BMI and obesity. Total effects were 0.48 kg/m(2) (95% CI: 0.15-0.81) increase in BMI per 5 dB L-den in the whole sample and 0.63 kg/m(2) (95% CI: 0.01-1.24) among long-term residents (>= 20 years). The relative risks of obesity were 1.03 (95% CI: 1.01-1.05) among all participants and 1.05 (95% CI: 1.01-1.09) among long-term residents. Direct effects were also significant. In conclusion, RTN exposure was significantly and positively associated with BMI and obesity. Future research is necessary in order to overcome the limitations of this study and extend its inferences to the general population. (C) 2015 Institute of Noise Control Engineering.