Roundup: Sharp Increase in Pickleball-Related Eye Injuries; and More News

Pickleball’s Popularity Brings a Surge in Eye Injuries, Particularly in Older Adults, Study Finds

Pickleball, the fast-growing paddle sport with its low-impact nature and simple rules, has become a favorite among players of all ages. However, as participation surges so does the risk of injuries —  particularly to the eyes. 

A new study, published in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology, analyzed data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) to determine the rate of pickleball-related eye injuries over the past two decades. The findings reveal a sharp increase in these injuries in recent years, particularly in adults 50 and older. The research highlights the need for better safety measures.

Most pickleball clubs and courts do not require eye protection. But the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) last year urged pickleball players to use protective eyewear that meets the standard guidelines for most racket sports. The eyewear should provide lenses and frames designed to withstand high-velocity impact from pickleballs and paddles, the AAO said.

The Rise in Eye Injuries

Between 2005 and 2024, an estimated 3,112 pickleball-related eye injuries were reported in U.S. emergency departments. Significantly, 88 percent of these injuries occurred between 2022 and 2024, with an average increase of 405 cases per year during this period. In 2024 alone, there were approximately 1,262 eye injuries linked to pickleball.

The study attributes this surge to the sport’s growing popularity, which has seen a 311 percent increase in participation since 2020. With nearly 20 million players in the U.S. as of 2024, the risk of injury has naturally risen alongside the sport’s rapid expansion.

Who Is Most at Risk?

The research found that players aged 50 and older are more likely to experience pickleball-related eye injuries compared to younger participants. This age group accounted for 39 percent more injuries than those under 50. While pickleball is often associated with older adults, younger players are also joining the ranks, making eye safety a concern for all age groups.

Common Causes and Types of Injuries

The study identified three main causes of eye injuries in pickleball:

1. Direct hits from the ball: The perforated plastic ball used in pickleball can cause significant damage if it strikes the eye.
2. Paddle-related injuries: Accidental hits from paddles during play are another common cause.
3. Falls: Players can sustain eye injuries from falls on the court.

Severe injuries reported include retinal detachment, orbital fractures (broken bones around the eye), globe trauma (damage to the eyeball), and hyphema (bleeding inside the eye). These injuries can lead to permanent vision loss or require surgical intervention.

The Need for Eye Protection

Despite the risks, eye protection is not currently required for casual or professional pickleball play. The study’s authors recommend establishing standardized guidelines for protective eyewear to reduce the risk of serious injuries. Sports goggles or glasses designed for impact resistance could be a simple yet effective solution. As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, players should prioritize safety on the court, researchers stress.

Study Cites Sharp Increase in Adults Who Would Meet New Definition of Obesity

A recent study from Mass General Brigham researchers suggests that the way we define obesity may need an update. By using a new, broader definition, the study found that the percentage of U.S. adults with obesity could be much higher than previously thought, potentially increasing from around 40 percent to nearly 70 percent.

This change could have significant implications for public health and how doctors identify people at risk for related diseases.

Moving Beyond BMI

For a long time, doctors have used the Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine if a person has a healthy weight. BMI is a simple calculation based on your height and weight. While useful, it has limitations. For example, it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, nor does it consider where fat is stored on the body.

The new definition, supported by over 75 health organizations, keeps BMI but adds other important measurements. These are called anthropometric measures, which look at body fat distribution. They include:

• Waist circumference: The distance around your waist.

• Waist-to-height ratio: Your waist measurement divided by your height.

• Waist-to-hip ratio: Your waist measurement divided by your hip measurement.

These measurements help identify excess fat, especially around the abdomen, which is linked to higher health risks.

What Did the Study Find?

Researchers applied this new framework to over 300,000 adults in a national research program. The results were striking. Under the old BMI-only definition, about 43 percent of participants had obesity. With the new, more comprehensive definition, that number jumped to nearly 69 percent.

The increase was mainly due to a new category of individuals. These are people with a normal BMI but high levels of body fat according to the new waist and hip measurements. The study called this "anthropometric-only obesity." The prevalence was particularly high among older adults, with nearly 80 percent of those over 70 meeting the new criteria for obesity.

Why This Matters for Your Health

Importantly, the study discovered that people in this new "anthropometric-only" group were not just numbers on a chart. They had a higher risk of developing serious health problems, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, compared to people without obesity. This means many individuals who were previously considered healthy based on their BMI might actually be at an increased risk for chronic illness.

The new definition also helps distinguish between preclinical obesity and clinical obesity. Clinical obesity is defined as having excess body fat that is already causing physical health problems or organ damage.

Researchers emphasize that these findings highlight the importance of looking at more than just weight. Where your body stores fat matters. Having excess fat, especially around your midsection, can be a risk factor for disease, even if your weight seems normal for your height. This research opens the door for further studies to find the best ways to treat this newly identified group and improve health outcomes for more people.

Not All Plant-Based Foods Are Equal for Heart Health, Study Finds

Many people choose plant-based diets for their health benefits, particularly for their hearts. Eating more plant-based foods and less meat can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, a recent study from researchers in France suggests that the type of plant-based foods you eat matters just as much as the quantity. The key difference lies in how much the food is processed.

The study, which followed nearly 64,000 adults for an average of nine years, looked at the connection between different diets and heart health. Researchers didn't just separate diets into plant-based versus animal-based. They also considered the nutritional quality of the foods and their level of processing.

What is an Ultra-Processed Food?

Ultra-processed foods are products that have gone through significant industrial manufacturing. They often contain ingredients not typically used in home cooking, like certain additives, colorings, or artificial sweeteners. Examples include many packaged snacks, sodas, sugary cereals, and some ready-to-eat meals. This is different from minimally processed foods like fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables.

Key Findings on Diet and Heart Risk

The research team analyzed the participants' dietary habits and their health outcomes over time. They found that simply eating a plant-based diet was not always linked to better heart health. The level of food processing played a crucial role.

1. Healthy Plant-Based Diets Showed Big Benefits: Adults who ate diets rich in minimally processed, high-quality plant foods had a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Specifically, they had about a 40 percent lower risk compared to those who ate more animal products and fewer of these healthy plant foods. These beneficial foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.

2. Ultra-Processed Plant Foods Offered No Advantage: The study found that people who ate a lot of ultra-processed plant-based foods did not have a lower risk of heart disease. This group consumed items like some store-bought breads, pre-made soups, and certain packaged pasta dishes. Their risk was similar to that of people with diets high in animal-based foods.

3. Unhealthy Processed Plant Foods Increased Risk: The most significant risk was seen in people who ate a lot of plant-based foods that were both ultra-processed and nutritionally poor. This category includes things like potato chips, sugary fruit drinks, and many sweets. This group had an approximately 40 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those eating minimally processed, high-quality plant foods.

The Takeaway: Quality and Processing Matter

This research highlights that when it comes to a plant-based diet and heart health, it's not just about avoiding meat. The quality and processing level of the plant-based foods are just as important. A diet centered on fresh, whole plant foods provides clear benefits for your heart. In contrast, a diet that relies on heavily processed plant-based alternatives may not offer the same protection and could even increase health risks.

The study supports the idea of choosing plant-based foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. This means focusing on fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables without added sugar, salt, or fats, alongside other whole foods.