Open AccessObesity and kidney disease: hidden consequences of the epidemic
Author(s) -
Csaba P. Kövesdy,
Susan L. Furth,
Carmine Zoccali
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
south african family practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2078-6204
pISSN - 2078-6190
DOI - 10.4102/safp.v59i1.4580
Subject(s) - medicine , obesity , kidney disease , diabetes mellitus , disease , body mass index , glomerulopathy , risk factor , kidney cancer , kidney , type 2 diabetes , incidence (geometry) , endocrinology , proteinuria , physics , optics
Obesity has become a worldwide epidemic, and its prevalence has been projected to grow by 40% in the next decade. This increasing prevalence has implications for the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and also for Chronic Kidney Disease. A high body mass index 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 body weight. The increase in intraglomerular pressure can damage the kidneys and raise the risk of developing Chronic Kidney Disease in the long-term. The incidence of obesity-related glomerulopathy has increased ten-fold in recent years. Obesity has also been shown to be a risk factor for nephrolithiasis, and for a number of malignancies including kidney cancer. This year the World Kidney Day promotes education on the harmful consequences of obesity and its association with kidney disease, advocating healthy lifestyle and health policy measures that makes preventive behaviors an affordable option.