Research

Hormonal

High body mass index (BMI) and obesity are strong, independent risk factors for the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG).

Maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the most effective ways to prevent chronic kidney disease. High BMI increases pressure inside the kidney's filtering units (glomeruli) and triggers inflammatory hormones from fat tissue that directly damage kidney structure over time. Even if you do not have diabetes or high blood pressure, excess weight—especially around the waist—increases your risk of kidney failure. Weight management through diet and exercise is a primary preventive strategy for kidney health.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
A high body mass index (BMI) is one of the strongest risk factors for new-onset Chronic kidney disease... The increase in intraglomerular pressure can damage the kidneys and raise the risk of developing Chronic kidney disease in the long-term. The incidence of obesity-related glomerulopathy has increased ten-fold in recent years.
Csaba P. Kövesdy et al. · Revista médica de Chile · 2017

Why this rating

Based on numerous population-based studies, meta-analyses, and consistent observational data, though exact mechanisms are complex.

Source

Obesity and kidney disease: hidden consequences of the epidemic

Csaba P. Kövesdy et al. · Revista médica de Chile · 2017

DOI 10.4067/s0034-98872017000300001

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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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