Obesity and Chronic diseases

Obesity has become a worldwide epidemic, with its incidence expected to increase by 40% over the next decade. This rising incidence increases the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic renal disease. 

A high BMI is one of the most important risk factors for new-onset chronic kidney disease. Obese people experience compensatory hyperfiltration to meet the higher metabolic demands of their increasing body weight. Increased intraglomerular pressure can cause kidney damage and increase the chance of developing chronic kidney disease in the long run.


How to know if your weight in not putting you at risk of kidney disease or its progression?

Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI is a measure of body fat based on your height and weight. It is a way to define overweight or obese. To find your BMI, you can use the Center for Disease Control's (CDC's) Adult BMI Calculator.

  • A BMI of less than 18.5 is considered underweight.
  • A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal.
  • A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight.
  • A BMI above 30 is considered obese.


What exactly is the connection between Kidney Disease and Obesity?

Obese adults, including those with diabetes and hypertension, are more likely to develop kidney disease.

Obesity also raises the likelihood of the primary CKD risk factors, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, as an indirect cause. A direct cause would be when the kidneys have to work harder, filtering over the normal level, to fulfill the metabolic needs of an increased body mass index (BMI) in obese individuals. This improvement in normal function is also linked to an increased risk of developing CKD in the long run.

Overweight or obese people are 2 to 7 times more likely than normal-weight people to have End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD). Obesity can cause CKD indirectly by increasing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, as well as directly by increasing the workload of the kidneys and other causes.

People who are overweight are also at a higher risk of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), a serious disorder that develops quickly, often lasts a short time, and may disappear completely once the underlying cause is treated, but it can also have long-term implications with life-long complications.


Treating And preventing Obesity

If you are overweight, decreasing even 5% of your body weight may reduce your risk of developing various ailments. The safest strategy to lose weight is to shed 0.5 to 2 pounds or one kilogram every week, but no more than 3 pounds per week.

Here are some examples of safe and healthy ways to lose weight (where possible):

Three easy steps should be taken to prevent overweight and obesity:

  • Reduce your consumption of total fats and sweets; 
  • Consume more fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Participate in regular physical activity (60 minutes per day for youngsters and 150 minutes per day for adults).


Overweight and obese people are more likely to have one or more chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, than those who are at their ideal body weight. All of these chronic diseases increase the likelihood of developing chronic kidney disease.

If your excess weight is largely concentrated around your stomach (apple shape), you are more likely to develop obesity-related health problems than if it is concentrated around your hips (pear shape). One indicator that predicts a higher risk of chronic diseases, such as CKD, is waist size.

It's wonderful if you want to lose weight, but don't be "The Bad Diet Guru." Seek advice from your healthcare team. If you do need to lose some weight, it is critical to discuss any weight loss program with your healthcare professional, especially if you have renal disease at any stage.