Research

Hormonal

High body mass index (BMI) is a strong independent risk factor for the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), primarily driven by compensatory glomerular hyperfiltration and increased intraglomerular pressure.

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to protect your kidneys. Excess body weight forces your kidneys to work harder (hyperfiltration), which can cause long-term damage. Focus on sustainable lifestyle changes like balanced nutrition and regular physical activity to manage weight, especially if you have a family history of kidney issues or high blood pressure.

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A high body mass index (BMI) is one of the strongest risk factors for new-onset chronic kidney disease. In individuals affected by obesity, a compensatory hyperfiltration occurs to meet the heightened metabolic demands of the increased bodyweight. The increase in intraglomerular pressure can damage the kidneys and raise the risk of developing chronic kidney disease in the long term.
Csaba P. Kövesdy et al. · Journal of Endocrinology Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa · 2017

Why this rating

Based on numerous large population-based studies and meta-analyses cited in the review, though it is a review paper rather than a single RCT.

Source

Obesity and kidney disease: hidden consequences of the epidemic

Csaba P. Kövesdy et al. · Journal of Endocrinology Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa · 2017

DOI 10.1080/16089677.2017.1299975

narrative_reviewCited 126×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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