Changes in abdominal obesity and age-related macular degeneration: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the association between changes in waist-hip ratio (WHR), a measure of abdominal obesity, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).


METHODS
A total of 12 515 persons from a population-based cohort study, aged 45 to 64 years in 1987 to 1989, were followed up over 6 years. The percentage change in WHR during follow-up was ranked into sex-specific deciles; an increase in WHR was defined as the top 10% of change and a decrease in WHR as the bottom 10%. The association of increased or decreased WHR and presence of AMD at follow-up was determined using logistic regression adjusting for potential confounders.


RESULTS
The average change in WHR was an increase of 2%, ranging from a decrease of 44% to an increase of 102%. A decrease in WHR of 3% or more was associated with 29% lower odds of any AMD (odds ratio = 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-0.97). This effect was most pronounced among obese participants at baseline, where a decrease in WHR was associated with 59% lower odds of AMD (odds ratio = 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.20-0.82).


CONCLUSIONS
Middle-aged persons who had a 3% or greater reduction in WHR over time were less likely to have AMD, particularly among those who were initially obese.
Peeters
Anna
A
Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.
Magliano
Dianna J
DJ
Stevens
June
J
Duncan
Bruce B
BB
Klein
Ronald
R
Wong
Tien Y
TY
D050153:Abdominal Fat; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D049629:Waist-Hip Ratio