Maintaining a healthy weight is important for our wellbeing, particularly for our kidneys. Obesity is known to cause chronic kidney disease.
However, new research suggests that being fit and avoiding weight gain might actually be more crucial than losing weight in reducing the risk of kidney disease.
The researchers at Drexel University’s College of Medicine and Dornsife School of Public Health have made some startling revelations.
Understanding the Research
The study monitored 1,208 adults who were either overweight or obese but didn’t have diabetes, heart disease, or impaired kidney function initially.
These adults were from six different cities and were part of the NIH-sponsored Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).
Over approximately nine years, the researchers observed their health, focusing on their weight and physical fitness.
The Impacts of Weight Gain
The study revealed that gaining weight did increase the risk of chronic kidney disease. For every approximately 11 pounds gained, the risk of developing this disease increased by 1.34 times.
The team utilized blood tests and formulas involving specific proteins and serum creatinine to assess kidney function, with high levels indicating poor kidney functionality.
The Role of Physical Fitness
Interestingly, physical fitness, reflected by walking pace, played a significant role in kidney function.
Those who walked slower, under 2 miles per hour as per self-reports, saw more rapid declines in kidney function and were at a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
These findings were consistent irrespective of whether the participants had high blood pressure initially or not.
Weight Loss and Kidney Health
Contrary to common belief, the study did not find a correlation between weight loss and reduced risk of chronic kidney disease.
However, it is highlighted that weight loss can still offer kidney-related health benefits, such as better blood pressure control. This discrepancy may be due to the limited understanding of how weight loss directly impacts kidney health.
Chronic Kidney Disease: A National Concern
This disease is not a rare phenomenon. It affects more than 1 in seven U.S. adults, which is about 37 million people, and the majority are unaware of their condition.
The death rate due to this disease has been increasing, with more profound impacts seen in Black and Hispanic populations.
The national expenditure for treating these patients is overwhelming, with Medicare spending over $85 billion in 2020. Currently, a substantial number of people are awaiting a life-saving kidney transplant.
Looking Forward
This research draws attention to the importance of preventing weight gain and improving overall fitness to mitigate the risk of chronic kidney disease, especially in adults who are overweight or obese.
However, more studies are needed to validate these findings and to explore interventions that can aid patients in maintaining their weight and enhancing their fitness levels.
The association between slow walking speed and decline in kidney function remains significant, and it is important to consider other contributing factors like other diseases that can influence this risk.
Conclusion
These findings shine a light on the importance of fitness and stable weight in maintaining kidney health, especially for those who are overweight or obese.
The emphasis on fitness over weight loss brings a new perspective into how we approach kidney disease prevention.
Although weight loss still holds its place in managing blood pressure and other aspects, maintaining physical fitness and preventing weight gain should be the focal point in the strategies designed to reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease.
Keeping fit could be as important, if not more, as maintaining a healthy weight in the battle against kidney diseases.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about pesticide linked to chronic kidney disease, and this drug may prevent kidney failure in people with diabetes.
For more information about kidney health, please see recent studies about drug duo that may treat kidney failure, and results showing these vegetables may protect against kidney damage.
The research findings can be found in Obesity.
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