Adding to the long list of health complications associated with obesity, researchers from Britain found that obese adults and children face twice the risk of losing their sight from a range of degenerative eye conditions. Increases in three major causes of sight loss were noted among the obese:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Cataracts
Obesity rates are still on the rise, with increases noted in 31 states. Those who fall into this group double their chances of suffering AMD and cataracts, as well as have up to 10 times the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, obesity is preventable, and treatable, by taking a few, very important, proactive steps.
ScientificAmerican.com September 6, 2006