The human body is a highly complicated machine and the kidneys are the engines that keep it in perfect working condition. These bean-shaped organs not only help clear waste products from the blood, maintain blood pressure levels, and generate hormones required for different physiological processes, but they also contribute to chronic kidney disease, a growing epidemic worldwide that affects millions of people every year. What is the link between obesity and kidney disease?

Obesity and Chronic Kidney Disease – Two Destructive & Life-Threatening Diseases

@kidneyhealthmd Obesity and kidney disease share a complex relationship. Excess weight can increase the risk of developing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which can lead to kidney damage. Additionally, obesity contributes to inflammation and metabolic changes that further impact kidney health. Understanding the link between obesity and kidney disease is crucial for proactive health management. If you’re concerned about your kidney health or need guidance on managing obesity, reach out to us today. Call 281 394 0238 to book a consultation. #obesity #kidneyhealth #healthmanagement #cta #weightlossjourney #healthylifestyle #diabetesprevention #hypertension #inflammation #insulinresistance #metabolicsyndrome #lifestylechanges #healthyliving #obesityawareness #chronicdisease #preventioniskey #healtheducation #medicaladvice #wellness #healthylife #prevention #bodyweight #fitnessjourney #takeaction #kindeyhealthmd ♬ original sound – Kidney and Holistic MD

The number of overweight individuals in the world has reached the highest level in history. Being overweight not only harms our aesthetic side but also raises the risk of kidney disease, hence, while in one study obesity was identified as the major risk factor for its emergence, other studies tend to highlight that.

Obesity Is an Independent Risk: Its Significance in Chronic Kidney Disease

Obesity can affect kidney health via many pathways including the direct and indirect mechanisms.

Indirect Effects

Obesity and high blood pressure (hypertension)

Overloading your kidneys with extra poundage, they have no other option, but to work harder filtering the waste products from the bloodstream, leading to elevation of blood pressure, which of cause is one of the leading risk factors of CKD. Chronic hypertension that persists over a long period gradually wears down and damages the small filtering systems present in the kidneys ultimately causing the progression to complete CKD.

Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), type 2 diabetes is one of the biggest reasons for obesity. In this condition, the body’s blood vessels are frequently damaged, including the kidney vessels’ flow; the impairment of renal function eventually progresses to CKD.

Direct Effects

Glomerular Hyperfiltration

Our kidneys consist of millions of small filters called glomeruli which get rid of waste products from our blood. For obese individuals when the metabolic needs go up due to the extra weight, the kidney reacts exactly how it should by producing increased waste removal capacity through extra filtration functions, a process known as “glomerular hyperfiltration”. These filters, being overworked, lead to damaged glomeruli hence chronic kidney disease.

Inflammation and Hormonal Changes

Fatty tissue encircling organs has more consequences than just excess energy storage; rather, it behaves like an endocrine organ that secretes various chemicals into the bloodstream which triggers chronic inflammation and hormonal disruption in the body, consequently accelerating CKD progression.

Read more: Can Lupus cause weight gain?

The Sickening Impacts of Chronic Kidney Disease

Failure to properly manage chronic kidney disease allows for possible serious health consequences to occur. It not only puts at heart a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and bone issues but may also lead to total kidney failure requiring dialysis treatment or transplant surgery for full recovery that goes along with the considerable lifestyle alterations that come with any treatment.

Keep Healthy Weight – Manage Your Health

Proper diet along with regular exercise could be the top strategy one may need in this context when it comes to preventing or at least delaying CKD progression to kidney failure. Every individual is advised to have an appropriate weight and lifestyle activity to avoid the risk of future failed kidney episodes. Here are a few action steps you can take:

• Prioritize a Healthy Diet: Make a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole foods, and try to reduce the consumption of processed foods, unhealthy fats, and added sugar. Dr. Bismah, the leading nephrologist at Advanced Kidney Care, can help you plan nutritionally balanced menus that cater to your kidney health,
• Engage in Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in regular exercise is proven to help manage weight, lower blood pressure, and enhance health overall. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity most days throughout the week for best results.

• Consult Professional Advice: Seeking assistance from a doctor or a registered dietitian like Dr Bismah, can provide valuable support in developing an individual weight management plan designed specifically to your needs.

Read more: How to stop vomiting in dialysis patients?

The Benefits of Focusing on Proactive Health

Healthcare prevention is one of the most effective ways to keep people in good health. This preventative approach is what makes proactive care unique because it gives you the chance to manage your health without being concerned about uncertain health conditions. By prioritizing preventive measures you may:

• Reduce Your Risk of Chronic Conditions: Healthy lifestyle options that minimize the risk of having chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and various cancers may be the key factors that will postpone the incidence of these health problems.
• Enhance Your Physical and Mental Wellbeing: Consuming a balanced diet, taking frequent physical activity, and getting enough rest ensures the body will have more energy, improved immune systems, as well as clear thinking.
• Improve Quality of Life: By being proactive about your health through preventative approaches, you are preparing for the future where you can enjoy your life independently and, most importantly, live life to the fullest. Which means more new activities and more positive life experiences will happen.
• Reduce Healthcare Costs: When people take up the habits of health, their cases might be more easily prevented and treated at a lower cost compared to treatment; adopters who follow wellness, get regular screening exams, and stick to them may avoid future health interventions thereby saving themselves and healthcare system money and resources.

Empower Yourself With Knowledge

Maintaining a preventive lifestyle requires effort and adjustments, yet its rewards are undeniable. By prioritizing healthy habits, not only are you safeguarding physical health; you’re investing in an extended future full of vitality, resilience, and the freedom to pursue passions without restriction or limits.

If You Are Concerned about Kidney Health, or Looking to Prevent Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Dr. Bismah kidney specialist offers numerous informative resources on her website. Visit today to increase your knowledge of CKD management and treatment!