Excess weight as a risk factor for kidney failure

Purpose of review The increasing incidence of end-stage, renal disease the epidemic of obesity are major public health problems. We review recent epidemiological evidence that excess weight is an important risk factor for chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Recent findings A cohort study of over 30,0000 adults and 8 Million, years of follow-up determined that elevated BMI was a significant risk factor for end-stage renal disease. This relationship was evident starting at a BMI of 25 kg/m(2) and persisted after adjustment for hypertension and diabetes. A population-based case-control study showed that a BMI of at least 25 kg/m(2) at age 20 was significantly associated with development of advanced chronic kidney disease. This was true even among those without diabetes or hypertension. Summary Excess weight is a common, strong and modifiable risk factor for chronic kideny disease and end-stage renal disease. Even individuals who are not overtly obese are at risk. Excess weight contributes to chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease over and above its role in hypertension and diabetes. Weight loss may represent a novel intervention to reduce risk of chronic kideny disease development and progression.