Two Israeli ophthalmologists are now warning that the prospect of eye disease should also be a powerful incentive to lose weight. Professor Michael Belkin and Dr. Zohar Habot-Wilner, from the Goldschleger Eye Institute at the Sheba Medical Centre, reviewed more than 20 studies involving thousands of patients worldwide.

They said they found a consistently strong link between obesity and the occurrence and development of four major eye diseases that cause blindness — age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. 2

The researchers said that although the evidence was out there, suggesting a link between obesity and these conditions, the results were not well known by the public.

Prof. Belkin said that people with high Body Mass Index (BMI) who are clinically obese have an increased chance of eye disease. These diseases are also more likely to progress more quickly in obese people. The researchers said that in some cases the reason for the link between obesity and the diseases was clear. For example, since glaucoma, diabetes, and AMD all affect the vascular system and excess weight is known to create pulmonary problems, the blood vessels in the eye are affected and sight deteriorates.

“The message we want to send is that obesity can cause not just cancer and hypertension, but also ocular disease. “It’s the risk factor that no one talks about.” 3

These findings impress the importance of maintaining your weight, and in particular its relationship to your height. An easy way to find your Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation of height and weight. 4 Normal ranges are between 18 – 25. Your BMI will give you a baseline.

Research also shows that maintaining a healthy lifestyle with the supporting elements of a diet rich in eye-protective nutrients 5, adequate hydration, exercise, and stress reduction have positive benefits for the body as well as the eyes.

References:

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1 Cheung N, Wong TY. Obesity and Eye Diseases. Surv Ophthalmol. 2007;52(2):180-195. doi:10.1016/j.survophthal.2006.12.003

2 Z H-W, M B. Obesity is a risk factor for eye diseases. Harefuah. 2005;144(11):805-809, 821.

3 Israeli researchers connect obesity to eye disease | Worldhealth.net Anti-Aging News. https://www.worldhealth.net/news/israeliresearchersconnectobesitytoe/. Accessed March 29, 2020.

4 Calculate Your BMI – Standard BMI Calculator. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/losewt/BMI/bmicalc.htm. Accessed March 29, 2020.

5 Diet & Nutrition. https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/diet-and-nutrition. Accessed March 29, 2020.