Obesity and Age Related Macular Degeneration

We have reviewed many medical conditions that can be prevented or helped with the reduction of weight. Most of these: heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, breast and bowel cancer, osteoarthritis and stroke are well known to everyone. However, an interesting study in the November issue of Archives of Ophthalmology suggests that people who lose inches off their midsection may also lower their risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), especially if they are obese. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss among older adults.

In this study, 12,515 adults, ages 45-64, were followed for six years and underwent waist-to-hip ratio measurements – an obesity assessment calculated by dividing the circumference of the waist (usually just above the belly button) by the hip circumference (at the widest part of the buttocks). Compared to people whose waist-to-hip ratio remained unchanged, those whose ratio declined by at least three percent, had a 29 percent lower risk of AMD, the study found. Among obese patients, the same weight reduction lowered the odds of AMD by 59 percent.

As you know, at our clinic, we are more focused on waist reduction as opposed to the number on the scale, as the best indicator of health promotion. This study is another one that shows that "belly fat” is indeed dangerous to our long term health.