On a more positive note, the study team also revealed that exercise did make children nimbler, making them more likely to engage in sport in the future.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Scotland | Glasgow and West | Child obesity solution not simple

The focus was on their exercise habits and eye health rather than being a scientific study of eye cells.

BBC: AMD is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK

In the study, participants had a one-on-one session, in which they discussed diet and exercise strategies, with a dietitian, and then were on their own.

CNN: When money's at stake, dieters have more weight-loss success