People with type 1 diabetes who experience frequent weight gain and loss—also known as yo-yo dieting—may face a higher risk of developing kidney disease, according to a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
This study is the first to confirm the link between weight cycling and kidney health problems in people with type 1 diabetes.
Yo-yo dieting happens when someone repeatedly loses and regains weight over the years. It’s surprisingly common—affecting up to 35% of men and 55% of women.
Previous research has already shown that this pattern can raise the risk of heart disease in both the general population and in people with type 2 diabetes. Now, new evidence shows that the same danger applies to people with type 1 diabetes, especially when it comes to kidney damage.
The study was led by Dr. Marion Camoin and her team at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux in France. They used data from 1,432 people with type 1 diabetes who were enrolled in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) and its follow-up, the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) study.
They analyzed six years’ worth of weight data to determine how much each participant’s weight fluctuated over time.
To measure weight variability, researchers used a tool called ‘variability independent of the mean’ (VIM), which shows how much a person’s weight swings above or below their average.
They then looked at six indicators of kidney function decline, focusing mainly on something called the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). This test measures how well the kidneys filter waste from the blood and is a key marker of kidney health.
Participants with higher weight fluctuations had a 40% decline in eGFR from their starting values. These individuals were also more likely to develop albuminuria, a condition in which protein leaks into the urine and is often a warning sign of kidney disease. The study found similar signs of kidney damage using other indicators as well.
Dr. Camoin emphasized that the increased risk occurred regardless of a person’s BMI or other traditional risk factors for kidney disease. This means that even people who are not overweight could face kidney risks if their body weight changes frequently.
The researchers believe this is an important discovery, especially as more people with type 1 diabetes are now struggling with obesity.
The exact reasons why yo-yo dieting harms the kidneys are still not fully clear. Some theories suggest that weight cycling puts extra stress on the heart and blood vessels, which could affect the kidneys. In people with type 1 diabetes, insulin therapy may also play a role by making it harder to maintain a stable weight.
To reduce the risks, the study’s authors recommend that people with type 1 diabetes who are trying to lose weight should focus on long-term weight maintenance. They suggest that avoiding rapid or repeated weight changes might help protect the kidneys and improve overall health.
This study adds to growing evidence that weight stability—not just weight loss—matters for people with chronic conditions. It’s another reason why healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and support from healthcare professionals are important for long-term well-being.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about Common statin drug is linked to kidney damage and findings of How drinking coffee can affect your kidney health.
For more about kidney health, please read studies about Scientists find important cause of kidney disease and findings of Cruciferous vegetables may reverse kidney damage in diabetics.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
