The Impact of Obesity on Kidney Disease: A Deep Dive into the Link
Obesity is a chronic health condition affecting millions of people in India. It is usually defined as acquiring excess body fat, resulting in overweight or obesity. Obesity is known for developing many health-related complications, like heart problems, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Furthermore, it also increases the risk of developing kidney disease. The main function of kidneys is to filter waste from the blood, and when it comes to obese people, the kidneys are forced to work harder to filter waste.
Let’s dive in to find out how obesity can lead to kidney disease, along with preventive tips and management strategies.
To understand the effects of obesity on kidneys, one should know how these vital organs work. There are two kidneys on either side of the lower back, which filter waste from the blood. Beyond filtering, they also regulate fluid balance and maintain the levels of electrolytes in the body. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition that occurs when the kidneys fail to function as they should. Over time, the condition might progress and result in kidney failure.
A Deep Dive into the Link between obesity and Kidney Disease
Over the past few years, obesity rates have reached epidemic proportions in both adults and children. It is widely known that obesity increases the risk of heart problems and other metabolic disorders like hypertension, insulin resistance, T2D mellitus, and chronic inflammation. In addition, many studies have observed that obesity is strongly connected to the development and progression of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease.
Glomerular Hyperfiltration
Obesity can increase GFR (glomerular filtration rate), which means that blood flow to the kidneys increases, as does the workload on the kidneys, which can lead to damage over time.
Insulin Resistance and Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance are closely linked with obesity. Both of these conditions have a long history of harming the kidneys, which increases the risk of developing CKDs.
Hypertension
Hypertension is one of the primary conditions that connects obesity and kidney diseases. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels within the kidneys, which leads to kidney damage and impairs the filtering process of blood.
Inflammation
In obese individuals, adipose tissue can release inflammatory cytokines, which have the potential to damage the kidneys and may lead to CKD.
Dyslipidemia
Abnormal lipid levels are more frequently observed in obese people, which is a potential factor for kidney problems.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
OSA is one of the major complications in obese people, and it may increase the risk of CKD.
Increased Risk of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones have a higher risk of damaging the kidneys, and obese people are more likely to develop kidney stone problems, so the two are linked.
Strategies to prevent and manage:
Healthy Weight
Lose weight and maintain a healthy weight by consuming a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity like exercise, which helps reduce the likelihood of developing kidney disease.
Control BP and sugar levels
If blood pressure and blood sugar levels are in control, it is possible to avoid kidney damage.
Healthy diet
A diet low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is highly recommended to maintain a healthy weight, which also reduces the risk of obesity-related complications along with kidney disease.
Regular exercise
Engaging in regular physical activity keeps you fit with a healthy weight and also reduces the risk of kidney disease.
Quit smoking and alcohol consumption
It is highly suggested to quit tobacco, and alcohol consumption because excessive drinking can damage the kidneys.
How does bariatric surgery help?
Bariatric surgery is the best treatment option for obese people who want to lose weight and get rid of obesity-related health disorders, which include kidney disease.
Bariatric surgery is a major surgical procedure that leads to significant weight loss, which eventually improves kidney function by reducing the workload on the kidneys.
After bariatric surgery, insulin sensitivity will also improve, which reduces the risk of diabetes and kidney disease. Some other benefits of bariatric surgery include reduced blood pressure, a reduced inflammatory response, and improved lipid levels, which together reduce the risk of developing kidney problems.
However, many studies say that obesity can increase the risk of kidney diseases, and bariatric surgery provides a solution. Weight loss can improve metabolic health, and bariatric surgery is one of the best and safest ways to achieve it, which also reduces the risk of kidney disease and improves overall health. If you are obese and looking for the best weight loss solution, consult Dr. V Pareek, one of the best bariatric surgeons in Hyderabad. Don’t let obesity take over you, call +91 91777 77715 to make an appointment.
