Obesity a strong factor in developing kidney disease

OBESITY poses a huge threat in the development of kidney disease. Experts say that there is a strong link between the development of kidney disease and obesity.

“Our kidneys are one of those things we take for granted until we’re diagnosed with kidney problems only then do we start being more careful,” said Gopalan Gounden, a 62 year-old former police officer who says he had to retire due to health problems. Gounden suffers from Polycystic Kidney Disease, a hereditary illness. He urged people to take care of their body’s organs. “When you have be placed on dialysis, like me, the machine only removes certain toxins from your body, so you have to take various injections as well. Dialysis is not a replacement for all the work which your kidneys naturally do for you.”

Risk factors

Obesity increases the risk of developing factors associated with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), like diabetes and hypertension. These risk factors have a direct impact on the development of CKD and end stage renal disease. This is because in individuals affected by obesity, the kidneys have to work harder to filter more blood than normal to meet the metabolic demands of the increased body weight. The increase in function can damage the kidney and raise the risk of developing CKD in the long-term.
The kidneys are an essential organ to the human body. They remove toxins and excess water from the blood. Kidneys also help to control blood pressure, produce red blood cells and keep bones healthy.

Being proactive

“It’s important that people are careful and become more proactive with their health,” Gounden said. “In my case, I want people to know that taking their organs for granted has a serious impact on your lifestyle. I have to have dialysis three times a week and if I want to travel I need to make arrangements for a dialysis unit wherever I go. You also can’t travel to places where you can easily pick up an infection.”

The International Society of Nephrology and The International Federation of Kidney Foundations (the organisers of the annual awareness campaign) say that obesity, as well as CKD, is largely preventable. Education and awareness of the risks of obesity and a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and exercise, can dramatically help in preventing obesity and kidney disease.