Mixed
Transitioning from obesity to non-obesity, transitioning from non-obesity to obesity, or maintaining stable obesity is associated with an elevated risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) compared to maintaining stable non-obesity.
Maintaining a stable, non-obese weight is the most protective strategy for kidney health. Both gaining weight (if you are not obese) and losing weight (if you are obese) carry higher risks than staying stable. If you are obese, aim for gradual, sustainable weight management rather than rapid loss, as rapid loss may harm kidney function. Avoid weight cycling.
The study found that individuals transitioning from obesity to non-obesity, non-obesity to obesity, and remaining stable obesity had an elevated risk of developing CKD throughout adulthood compared to those maintaining stable non-obesity weight patterns.
Why this rating
Large sample size (n=34,187) and long-term data from NHANES, but limited by self-reported historical weight data and lack of adjustment for hypertension/diabetes.
Source
Association between weight change across adulthood and risk of chronic kidney disease: NHANES 1999–2020
Xunliang Li et al. · Renal Failure · 2025
DOI 10.1080/0886022x.2024.2448261
More from this paper
- Extreme weight gain (≥20 kg) and substantial weight loss (>2.5 kg) are associated with increased CKD risk, forming a J-shaped or U-shaped relationship.Good
- The association between weight change patterns and CKD risk is stronger in individuals under 60 years of age at baseline compared to those 60 years or older.Good
Related findings · Mixed
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- For patients with Class III obesity (BMI >39.9 kg/m2), metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is significantly more effective than any currently approved medication, with BilioPancreatic Diversion (BPD) showing the highest estimated weight loss.Strong
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