Research

Hormonal

Obesity increases the risk of kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) and kidney cancer through mechanisms involving insulin resistance, acidic urine, and adipose-derived inflammatory factors.

If you are overweight, you are at higher risk for kidney stones and kidney cancer. This is partly due to how your body processes acids and minerals. Staying well-hydrated and maintaining a healthy weight through balanced eating can help reduce these risks. Be cautious with extreme weight loss methods, as they can sometimes increase stone risk.

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Obesity is associated with a number of risk factors contributing to the higher incidence and prevalence of nephrolithiasis. Higher body weight is associated with lower urine pH and increased urinary oxalate, uric acid, sodium and phosphate excretion. The insulin resistance characteristic of obesity may also predispose to nephrolithiasis through its impact on tubular Na–H exchangers and ammoniagenesis, and the promotion of an acidic milieu.
Csaba P. Kövesdy et al. · Journal of Endocrinology Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa · 2017

Why this rating

Supported by multiple population-based studies and meta-analyses cited in the review.

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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