Obesity and Vision Quality Go Hand-in-Hand
Vision is directly linked to
overall health
Obesity is a serious growing public health
problem. In the United States, obesity has doubled
in adults and overweight prevalence has tripled in
children and adolescents since 1980.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, there are over 130 million people
in the U.S. that are either overweight or obese.
Researchers for CDC estimated that in 2003, in
the U.S. alone, medical expenses related to obesity
reached $75 billion. This is an epidemic that needs
to be reversed.
Overeating, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle,
are the main causes for the recent accelerating rate
of obesity.
 Obesity
and vision
Studies show that excess body weight predisposes a
person to various systemic diseases that can cause
vision loss -- particularly cardiovascular disease
and
diabetes.
Some eye diseases are among a large number of
medical conditions that can be associated with
obesity. For example, since
diabetic retinopathy and
macular degeneration are directly related to the
vascular system and excess weight is known to create
pulmonary problems, the blood vessels in
the eye are affected
and vision can deteriorate.
Other eye conditions that can be caused by high
blood pressure and high cholesterol because of
obesity are hypertensive retinopathy and
retinal vein occlusion.
Weight control
It is important that we control our weight in order
to maintain healthy vision throughout our lives.
Weight control is a life-long effort that should be
taken seriously. Here are some tips on how to
maintain proper weight and health:
- Eat fewer calories. A great online
calorie tool can be downloaded at
www.calorieking.com. You must burn or have a
deficit of 3500 calories to lose one pound of
body weight.
- Exercise. A brisk 20-30 minute walk, 4
times a week can greatly increase cardiovascular
health. The American Heart Association has
encouraged a goal of 10,000 steps a day which
can be monitored by a very inexpensive
pedometer. Don't be intimidated by this large
number of steps -- ALL steps taken during the
day count! In other words, if you park
toward the back of the parking lot or take the
stairs, you'll increase your steps.
- Use a heart rate monitor during exercise to
keep yourself within your targeted zone.
Related stories:
Obesity and smoking
can accelerate AMD
Refs: Habot- Vilner, Z., Belkin, M.
"Obesity and eye diseases" Harefuah: 144: 805-809,
2005; CDC (2004-01-21). "Obesity Costs States
Billions in Medical Expenses |
