Scientists at Drexel University have found that physical activity and preventing weight gain may be more important than weight loss alone for preventing kidney disease in obese adults. The research was published in the journal Obesity.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), formerly known as chronic renal failure, is characterized by a slow decrease in the filtration capacity of the kidneys, ultimately leading to kidney failure. Because obesity is a contributing factor to the development of CKD, it was thought that losing weight could help reduce the risk of damage. But new research challenges this view.
Researchers studied 1,208 overweight and obese adults. Participants were recruited from July 2000 to August 2002 and followed for an average of nine years. Unlike patients in most previous studies, participants did not have diabetes, heart disease, or decreased kidney function at baseline.
Scientists found that weight gain was associated with a higher risk of CKD: For every 5 kg gained, the risk increased by 1.34. Slow walking speed (less than 3.2 km/h) was also associated with a more rapid decline in kidney function. But weight loss did not affect the risk of kidney damage.
Weight loss in obesity still has the possibility of improving kidney health, but maintaining a stable weight and being physically fit may be more important.
“Improvements in blood sugar and blood pressure control, often accompanied by weight loss, may be more important in populations with existing chronic kidney disease as well as in adults with severe obesity,” the scientists said.
Previous scientists I learnedWhich vegetables may be associated with an increased risk of weight gain in midlife?