Kidney Disease and Obesity

Kidney Disease and Obesity

Obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. In 2014, worldwide over 600 million adults were obese. Obesity is a potent risk factor for the development of kidney disease. It increases the risk of developing major risk factors of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), like diabetes and hypertension, and it has a direct impact on the development of CKD and End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). In individuals affected by obesity, the kidneys have to work harder, filtering more blood than normal (hyper-filtration) to meet the metabolic demands of the increased body weight. The increase in function can damage the kidney and raise the risk of developing CKD in the long-term.

The good news is that obesity, as well as CKD, is largely preventable. Education and awareness of the risks of obesity and a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and exercise, can dramatically help in preventing obesity and kidney disease.

This year World Kidney Day promotes education about the harmful consequences of obesity and its association with kidney disease, advocating healthy lifestyle and health policy measures that make preventive behaviors an affordable option.

THE RELATION BETWEEN KIDNEY DISEASE AND OBESITY

Kidney disease is more likely to develop in obese people including in those with diabetes and hypertension. By 2025, obesity will affect 18% of men and over 21% of women worldwide, and that severe obesity will affect 6% of all men and 9% of all women around the world. In some nations, obesity is already present in more than one-third of the adult population and contributes significantly to overall poor health and high annual medical costs.

In the general population, obesity increases the risk of death and contributes to many other diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea, fatty liver, gall bladder disease, osteoarthritis, various cancers, mental disorders, and poor quality of life.

A growing body of evidence indicates that obesity is also a potent risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). People who are overweight or obese have 2 to 7 more chances of developing ESRD compared to those of normal weight.

Obesity may lead to CKD both indirectly by increasing type-2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, and also by causing direct kidney damage by increasing the workload of the kidneys and other mechanisms. Reducing obesity may reverse or slow CKD progression.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious condition that develops suddenly, often lasts a short time and may disappear completely once the underlying cause has been treated, but it can also have long-lasting consequences with life-long problems. AKI occurs more frequently in obese people.

 

WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR YOUR KIDNEYS? – 8 GOLDEN RULES TO KEEPING YOUR KIDNEYS HEALTHY.

Kidney diseases are silent killers, which will largely affect your quality of life. There are however several easy ways to reduce the risk of developing kidney disease. Some of the best 8 are:

Keep fit and active

Keeping fit helps to reduce your blood pressure and therefore reduces the risk of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

 Keep regular control of your blood sugar level

About half of people who have diabetes develop kidney damage, so it is important for people with diabetes to have regular tests to check their kidney functions. Kidney damage from diabetes can be reduced or prevented if detected early. It is important to keep control of blood sugar levels with the help of doctors or pharmacists, who are always happy to help.

Monitor your blood pressure

Although many people may be aware that high blood pressure can lead to a stroke or heart attack, few know that it is also the most common cause of kidney damage. The normal blood pressure level is 120/80. Between this level and 139/89, you are considered pre-hypertensive and should adopt lifestyle and dietary changes. At 140/90 and above, you should discuss the risks with your doctor and monitor your blood pressure level regularly. High blood pressure is especially likely to cause kidney damage when associated with other factors like diabetes, high cholesterol and Cardio- Vascular Diseases.

Eat healthy and keep your weight in check

This can help prevent diabetes, heart disease and other conditions associated with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Reduce your salt intake.

The recommended sodium intake is 5-6 grams of salt per day (around a teaspoon). In order to reduce your salt intake, try and limit the amount of processed and restaurant food and do not add salt to food. It will be easier to control your intake if you prepare the food yourself with fresh ingredients.

Maintain a healthy fluid intake

Although clinical studies have not reached an agreement on the ideal quantity of water and other fluids we should consume daily to maintain good health, traditional wisdom has long suggested drinking 1.5 to 2 litres (3 to 4 pints) of water per day.

According to Researchers in Australia and Canada, consuming plenty of fluid helps the kidneys clear sodium, urea and toxins from the body which, in turn, results in a “significantly lower risk” of developing CKD. The findings, the researchers said, do not advocate “aggressive fluid loading”, which can cause side effects, but they do provide evidence that moderately increased water intake, around two litres daily, may reduce the risk of decline in kidney function. It is important to keep in mind that the right level of fluid intake for any individual depends on many factors including gender, exercise, climate, health conditions, pregnancy and breast feeding. In addition, people who have already had a kidney stone are advised to drink 2 to 3 litres of water daily to lessen the risk of forming a new stone.

 Do not smoke

Smoking slows the flow of blood to the kidneys. When less blood reaches the kidneys, it impairs their ability to function properly. Smoking also increases the risk of kidney cancer by about 50 percent.

Do not take over-the-counter pills on a regular basis

Common drugs such non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen are known to cause kidney damage and disease if taken regularly.

Such medications probably do not pose significant danger if your kidneys are relatively healthy and you use them for emergencies only, but if you are dealing with chronic pain, such as arthritis or back pain, work with your doctor to find a way to control your pain without putting your kidneys at risk.

 Get your kidney function checked if you have one or more of the ‘high risk’ factors

You have diabetes.

You have hypertension.

You are obese.

One of your parents or other family members suffers from kidney disease.

 

Article –  culled from:  http://www.worldkidneyday.org/

2 thoughts on “Kidney Disease and Obesity”


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

*

Share:

More Posts

Empowering Communities: HPV Education and Vaccination flag off event in Ondo State

Launching HPV Education and Vaccination on International Women’s Day To mark International Women’s Day (IWD), Girl Effect, in collaboration with Kids & Teens Resource Centre (K&TRC), launched an HPV education and vaccination campaign in Akure South and Odigbo Local Government Areas of Ondo State. This initiative aims to educate parents and ensure eligible girls receive the HPV vaccine, a crucial step in preventing cervical cancer.   Empowering Champions for HPV Awareness As part of this initiative, 40 selected women from Akure South and Odigbo LGAs were trained to become HPV education and vaccination Champions. These Champions, equipped with the Champions’ App, play a key role in spreading accurate health information. The campaign will train a total of 60 Champions, including 40 community-based health workers and 20 school counsellors. The first engagement, led by Obaromi Hellen Olubumi, took place in Isolo Community, Akure, leading to the successful vaccination of all eligible girls in the area. Key Stakeholders Advocate for HPV Education and Vaccination The flag off event featured key stakeholders, including Dr. Adefesoye Victor, Director of Disease Control and Immunization at OSPHCDA. He emphasized that girls aged 9-14 should take advantage of this free HPV vaccine to protect against cervical cancer.

Teachers Armed with Knowledge: Increasing HPV Vaccine Uptake in Schools

Imagine a future where young girls confidently walk into health facilities to receive the HPV vaccine, fully aware of its importance—protected, empowered, and in control of their health choices. This vision is at the heart of a groundbreaking initiative by Girl Effect, in partnership with Kids & Teens Resource Centre (K&TRC). To turn this vision into reality, we conducted a two-day training for teachers in Odigbo and Akure South Local Government Areas. The focus? Equipping educators with accurate information about the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and training them to use the Champions App—an innovative tool designed by Girl Effect to increase HPV vaccine uptake among girls aged 9-14. Training Teachers to Drive HPV Vaccine Awareness The training wasn’t just a lecture; it was an immersive experience. Teachers gained in-depth knowledge about HPV, how it leads to cervical cancer, and the role of the vaccine in prevention. They also learned how to navigate the Champions App, which simplifies and personalizes HPV education for young girls. Experts Weigh In: The Role of Schools in HPV Vaccine Uptake Mrs. Olayemi Fakeyin, Deputy Director of Guidance and Counseling at the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, emphasized the importance of securing the future of

How AI is Shaping Education: Highlights from K&TRC’s International Day of Education

Education is evolving, and with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the conversation around its impact has never been more relevant. To mark the International Day of Education 2025, Kids & Teens Resource Centre (K&TRC) engaged students in a session on the theme: Artificial Intelligence and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation. Exploring the Role of Education The event kicked off with an interactive discussion on the essence of education. Our Program Assistant Manager, broke down UNESCO’s Four Pillars of Education: Learning to Know – Acquiring knowledge and understanding the world. Learning to Be – Personal growth and independent thinking. Learning to Live Together – Developing interpersonal skills and embracing diversity. Learning to Do – Gaining problem-solving and work-related skills. These pillars set the foundation for a conversation about how AI is reshaping learning experiences. AI: Friend or Foe in the Classroom?   Students were introduced to the concept of Artificial Intelligence and how it integrates into everyday life—voice assistants, automated machines, and even AI-powered learning tools. Hannah, our AYP Hub Coordinator, emphasized the importance of using Artificial Intelligence wisely, ensuring it complements human intelligence rather than replaces it. A video presentation showcased AI in action—robots performing

Kids & Teens Resource Centre and Girl Effect Nigeria Partner to Increase HPV Vaccination Uptake in Ondo State

A Powerful Partnership for Girls’ Health In a bold move to combat HPV and increase the vaccination uptake among young girls, Kids & Teens Resource Centre (K&TRC) has partnered with Girl Effect Nigeria to drive HPV vaccine awareness and access in Ondo State. This partnership leverages the Champion’s App, a digital tool designed to educate and empower girls with accurate information about HPV prevention and the benefits of vaccination. Together, K&TRC and Girl Effect Nigeria aim to ensure that more girls aged 9-14 receive lifesaving protection against HPV-related diseases. Stakeholders’ Meeting: Uniting for a Healthier Future As part of this initiative, K&TRC and Girl Effect Nigeria convened a strategic stakeholders’ meeting in Akure to engage key players in the health and education sectors. The session brought together representatives from the Ministry of Education, the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), and the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA) to strengthen collaboration and enhance community participation. Strategic Partnerships for Impact Led by Mrs. Folashade Bamigboye, the K&TRC project team facilitated discussions on: Aligning stakeholders with the campaign’s objectives. Recruiting School Health Counselors and Healthcare Workers to drive HPV vaccination awareness in schools, health facilities, and communities. Enhancing collaboration between education