New findings from Drexel University suggest that staying physically active and preventing weight gain may be more important for protecting kidney health in obese adults than weight loss alone. The study, published in the journal Obesity, sheds light on how body weight and movement patterns relate to chronic kidney disease risk and progression.
Chronic kidney disease CKD is a gradual decline in the kidney’s ability to filter waste and fluids, which can ultimately progress to kidney failure. Since obesity has long been linked to CKD, researchers previously believed that shedding pounds would lower the chance of kidney damage. The latest work challenges that assumption by examining real-world weight trajectories and activity levels over time.
The study followed 1,208 adults who were overweight or obese at the start. Recruitment occurred between July 2000 and August 2002, with participants tracked for an average of nine years. Unlike many prior investigations, these individuals did not have diabetes, heart disease, or reduced kidney function at baseline, which helps isolate weight and activity effects on kidney outcomes.
Findings showed that gaining weight raised the risk of CKD. Specifically, for every 5 kilogram increase in body weight, the risk rose by about 1.34. In addition, slower walking speed, defined as less than 3.2 kilometers per hour, correlated with a faster decline in kidney function. Importantly, weight loss did not appear to reduce the risk of kidney damage in this cohort, highlighting the potential value of weight stability and consistent physical activity for kidney health.
Weight maintenance and regular physical activity still hold promise for improving kidney health in individuals with obesity. The researchers emphasized that along with weight maintenance, better blood sugar and blood pressure control—often achieved in connection with weight loss—may be especially beneficial for people who already have chronic kidney disease or who live with severe obesity.
These results add nuance to the conversation about managing obesity and kidney risk. They suggest that programs focusing on sustaining a healthy weight and enhancing fitness levels could play a crucial role in protecting kidney function, alongside strategies aimed at lowering blood sugar and blood pressure. In practical terms, staying active, choosing foods that support stable energy levels, and maintaining weight through balanced habits may collectively help reduce CKD risk over time.
Experts caution that the study does not negate the potential kidney benefits of weight loss for all populations. It does, however, point to the importance of a holistic approach that includes physical activity, metabolic health, and weight stability to support kidney health across diverse groups. Continued research in this area will help clarify how best to tailor interventions for people at different stages of weight-related kidney risk, including those with existing kidney concerns or severe obesity, and how lifestyle changes translate into long-term kidney outcomes.
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