Moderate body lipid accumulation in mice attenuated benzene-induced hematotoxicity via acceleration of benzene metabolism and clearance

•Moderate lipid deposition alleviated benzene-induced hematotoxicity.•Lipid deposition contributes to benzene metabolism and stress tolerance.•Liver Cyp2e1 and Gsta1 were upregulated in HFD-fed mice exposed to benzene.•Increased excretion of benzene metabolites through exhaled breath in HFD-fed mice.