Why Managing Obesity Matters for Kidney Health
The Silent Strain on the Kidneys
Obesity can strain the kidneys through chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, increased blood pressure, and insulin resistance. (Envato Elements pic)
The Risks of Obesity on Kidney Health
Consultant nephrologist and kidney transplant physician Dr. Wong Hin Seng noted that obesity strains the kidneys through chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, increased blood pressure, and insulin resistance.
“Obesity doesn’t just lead to diabetes or high blood pressure: it has been linked to an increased risk of kidney stones and various types of cancer, including kidney cancer,” he said.
The Growing Concern of Kidney Disease
The Malaysian Dialysis and Transplant Registry 2023 reports that 56% of new dialysis cases arise from diabetes, followed by hypertension at 30% – highlighting the growing concern over kidney disease.
“These effects can lead to protein leakage in the urine, an early sign of kidney damage. Obesity increases the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and accelerates its progression. When the kidneys are under constant stress, they fail faster,” Wong cautioned.
How Obesity Affects the Kidneys
The kidneys act as the body’s natural filters, removing waste and excess fluids, regulating blood pressure, and balancing electrolytes to ensure everything functions smoothly. However, these finely tuned organs can be overwhelmed by excess weight.
The Role of Diet and Lifestyle in Obesity
And while Malaysia’s vibrant food culture is deeply cherished, it also contributes to a growing health crisis, with over half the population (54.4%) being overweight or obese.
This has led to more than two million people suffering from noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, which in turn increase the risk of CKD.
The Importance of Early Detection and Prevention
Wong warned that in those with obesity, kidney disease can remain undetected for years; by the time symptoms such as swelling or fatigue appear, it is often too late to reverse the damage.
He said younger Malaysians are increasingly affected by obesity-related kidney damage, which disrupts the most productive years of their lives and places significant strain on families, the healthcare system, and the nation.
The Impact on Mental and Physical Health
According to Wong, advanced CKD (stages 4 and 5) often leads to complications such as limited physical activity and poor mental health. “Living with damaged kidneys is a daily challenge: it’s not just about surviving but also about losing the ability to fully enjoy life,” he said.
The Way Forward
He attributes major changes in dietary habits and lifestyle choices for the increase in Malaysia’s obesity rate. Traditional diets, once rich in fibre and wholesome ingredients, have increasingly been replaced by processed foods and sugary drinks.
The obesity risk is worsened further by the decline in physical activity, as many children and adults have adopted more sedentary lifestyles with higher screen time rather than outdoor activities.
Conclusion
Managing obesity is crucial for maintaining kidney health. Early action against obesity – including swapping processed foods for fibre-rich options, reducing sugar, and staying active – can help prevent kidney disease. Regular health screenings are also crucial for early detection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the risks of obesity on kidney health?
A: Obesity can strain the kidneys through chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, increased blood pressure, and insulin resistance, leading to an increased risk of kidney stones and various types of cancer, including kidney cancer.
Q: What is the impact of obesity on kidney disease?
A: Obesity increases the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and accelerates its progression, leading to protein leakage in the urine and eventually kidney failure.
Q: How can I prevent kidney disease?
A: Swapping processed foods for fibre-rich options, reducing sugar, and staying active can help prevent kidney disease. Regular health screenings are also crucial for early detection.
Q: What is the role of diet and lifestyle in obesity?
A: Major changes in dietary habits and lifestyle choices, such as adopting a sedentary lifestyle with higher screen time and consuming processed foods and sugary drinks, contribute to the increase in Malaysia’s obesity rate.