Obesity is a growing problem in Western countries and developing countries alike, with over 650 million adults considered to be obese in 2016.

Unfortunately, obesity can lead to many health problems, including kidney disease and impaired kidney function.

What is Kidney Disease?

Kidney disease is a chronic condition where the kidneys are not able to properly filter waste and excess fluid from the blood.

This can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body and can cause serious complications, including high blood pressure, anemia, and even kidney failure.

How Does Obesity Cause Kidney Disease?

Obesity is a known risk factor for kidney disease. When you are obese, the extra weight puts a strain on your kidneys, which can eventually cause damage over time.

Additionally, obesity often leads to other health problems that can damage the kidneys, such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

Obesity and High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for kidney disease. When you are obese, your body requires more blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to your tissues, which can cause an increase in blood pressure.

Over time, this high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys and prevent them from functioning properly.

Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

Obesity is also a known risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body is unable to properly process glucose, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.

This high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys and prevent them from functioning properly, which can eventually lead to kidney disease.

How Does Obesity Impair Kidney Function?

Even if you are not diagnosed with kidney disease, obesity can still impair your kidney function. When your kidneys are functioning properly, they filter waste and excess fluid from your blood and excrete it through your urine.

However, when you are obese, the excess weight can cause your kidneys to work harder than normal. This increased workload can cause your kidneys to become overworked and eventually lead to kidney damage.

The Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Weight

As you can see, obesity can have serious consequences for your kidney health. However, you can take steps to maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of kidney disease.

This includes eating a healthy, balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy BMI.

Conclusion

Obesity is a major risk factor for kidney disease and can impair kidney function before kidney disease is even diagnosed. It is important to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise to protect your kidney health.

If you are concerned about your kidney health, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of kidney disease.