Obesity, body fat distribution and eye diseases

Francesca Bosello; Angiola Vanzo; Chiara Zaffalon; Luca Polinelli; Filippo Saggin; Erika Bonacci; Emilio Pedrotti; Giorgio Marchini; Ottavio Bosello

doi:10.1007/s40519-024-01662-8

Eating and Weight Disorders (May 2024)

Obesity, body fat distribution and eye diseases

Francesca Bosello,
Angiola Vanzo,
Chiara Zaffalon,
Luca Polinelli,
Filippo Saggin,
Erika Bonacci,
Emilio Pedrotti,
Giorgio Marchini,
Ottavio Bosello

Affiliations

Francesca Bosello: Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Maternity and Infant, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Verona
Angiola Vanzo: Food Hygiene and Nutrition Unit, Azienda ULSS 8, Berica
Chiara Zaffalon: Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Maternity and Infant, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Verona
Luca Polinelli: Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Maternity and Infant, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Verona
Filippo Saggin: Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Maternity and Infant, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Verona
Erika Bonacci: Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Verona
Emilio Pedrotti: Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Maternity and Infant, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Verona
Giorgio Marchini: Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Maternity and Infant, Ophthalmology Clinic, University of Verona
Ottavio Bosello: Department of Medicine, University of Verona

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-024-01662-8
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 29, no. 1
pp. 1 – 16

Abstract

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Abstract Background The prevalence of obesity, a chronic disease, is increasing, and obesity is now considered a global epidemic. Eye diseases are also increasing worldwide and have serious repercussions on quality of life as well as increasingly high costs for the community. The relationships between obesity and ocular pathologies are not yet well clarified and are not pathologically homogeneous: they seem to be somehow linked to excess body fat, especially to the distribution of adipose tissue and its ectopic deposits. Purpose Our objective was to examine the associations between obesity and anthropometric indices, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and the waist/hip ratio (WHR), and the risk of most widespread eye diseases, with particular attention given to the most significant metabolic mechanisms. Methods This article provides a narrative overview of the effect of obesity and anthropometric measurements of body fat on prevalent eye diseases. We used the MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases from 1984 to 2024. In addition, we hand-searched references from the retrieved articles and explored a number of related websites. A total of 153 publications were considered. Results There is significant evidence that obesity is associated with several eye diseases. Waist circumference (WC) and the waist/hip ratio (WHR) have been observed to have stronger positive associations with eye diseases than BMI. Conclusions Obesity must be considered a significant risk factor for eye diseases; hence, a multidisciplinary and multidimensional approach to treating obesity, which also affects ocular health, is important. In the prevention and treatment of eye diseases related to obesity, lifestyle factors, especially diet and physical activity, as well as weight changes, both weight loss and weight gain, should not be overlooked. Level of evidence Level V narrative review.

Published in Eating and Weight Disorders

ISSN: 1590-1262 (Online)
Publisher: Springer
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Medicine: Internal medicine: Specialties of internal medicine: Nutritional diseases. Deficiency diseases
Website: https://www.springer.com/journal/40519

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