Chronic kidney disease and obesity are major public health problems worldwide, each affecting an increasing number of people and closely related to each other. Obesity is not only one of the main causes of kidney disease, but also aggravates the course of the disease and makes its treatment more complicated. In our compilation below, we examine the connections between kidney disease and obesity, as well as their prevention and treatment options.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter excess fluids and waste products from the blood. This leads to the accumulation of harmful substances in the body, which can cause many health problems. The progression of kidney disease can be divided into five stages, from mild (stage 1) kidney disease to acute kidney failure (stage 5), which often requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to sustain life. Worldwide, 1 in 10 people are affected by some degree of kidney failure, 77.5% of whom are overweight or obese.
What is obesity?
Obesity means that an excessive amount of fat accumulates in the body, which can harm health. It is usually measured based on the body mass index (BMI), where a BMI value above 25 is considered overweight, above 30 is considered obese, and above 40 is considered severely obese. Being overweight increases the risk of many diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and kidney disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is a global epidemic affecting more than one billion people; In Hungary too, more than 58 percent of the population lives with excess weight.
Obesity is one of the most significant risk factors for the development of chronic kidney disease.
Research has shown that obese individuals are more likely to develop chronic kidney disease than those of normal weight, and that many of the complications of obesity contribute to this increased risk. For example, obesity often leads to high blood pressure, which puts extra strain on the kidneys, thereby damaging them. One of the most common causes of type 2 diabetes is being overweight, which is one of the main causes of CKD. In the long term, high blood sugar destroys the filtering system of the kidneys, so the efficiency of the functioning of the kidneys is significantly reduced.
Another important complication is that the kidneys work harder due to the excess body fat that develops as a result of being overweight. This extra work can also damage the kidneys over time, accelerating the deterioration of CKD. Obesity also triggers chronic, low-level inflammation in the body, which increases oxidative stress, damages kidney cells, and accelerates the progression of kidney disease.
Management of obesity and CKD: prevention and therapy
A regular monitoring of kidney functions it is essential in terms of prevention, especially in the case of overweight people. Early detection, regular blood and urine sampling can help prevent complications and protect health in the long term. In addition to screening tests, the following lifestyle changes can help in prevention and in living with the disease:
A weight reduction proven to have a positive effect on kidney function, especially in overweight kidney patients. Even modest weight loss (5-10% of original body weight) lowers blood pressure, thereby easing the strain on the kidneys, improving blood sugar control, and reducing protein in the urine, a key step in slowing the progression of CKD.
The healthy diet plays a decisive role both in weight control and in improving kidney function. Reducing salt intake, favoring plant-based foods, and limiting protein intake can help slow the progression of CKD by reducing the strain on the kidneys. In addition, in the case of diabetics, it is important to monitor carbohydrate intake in order to control blood sugar levels.
A physical activity essential in the treatment of obesity and kidney disease. Regular exercise helps you lose weight, improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood pressure. Weekly 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise recommended, for example in the form of walking or swimming.
In addition to lifestyle changes, it may be necessary for medicines also for the treatment of chronic kidney disease and obesity, especially for co-morbidities such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.
It is possible to live a quality life even with the disease
Chronic kidney disease and obesity are closely related health problems. However, the good news is that lifestyle changes, including weight loss, healthy eating and regular physical activity, can significantly improve the condition of patients with both diseases. Early detection and treatment of obesity can prevent or delay the development of CKD, and for those who already have chronic kidney disease, obesity management is a key part of therapy.
Source: www.patikamagazin.hu
