Why Managing Obesity Matters For Kidney Health

KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 (Bernama) -- A health expert warns of the importance of addressing obesity, as excessive weight independently damages the kidneys even in individuals without those conditions.

In a statement, Prof Dr Wong Hin Seng, a Consultant Nephrologist and Kidney Transplant Physician at Sunway Medical Centre (SMC), Sunway City, explained 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. 

According to Dr Wong, the Malaysian Dialysis and Transplant Registry 2023 reports that 56 per cent of new dialysis cases arise from diabetes, followed by hypertension at 30 per cent - 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,” he warned.  

“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,” he said.  

He pointed out that Malaysia’s vibrant food culture is deeply cherished, but it also contributes to a growing health crisis with over half the population (54.4 per cent) 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 chronic kidney disease.

Dr Wong cautioned that for those struggling with obesity, kidney disease can remain undetected for years, and by the time symptoms appear, such as swelling or fatigue, it is often too late to reverse the damage.

He said younger Malaysians are increasingly affected by obesity-related kidney damage, disrupting the most productive years of their lives and placing significant strain on families, the healthcare system and the nation.  

“If you’ve been obese since childhood or your teenage years, the negative impact on your kidneys begins early, and you may already be facing chronic kidney disease in your 30s or 40s,” he said citing the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, which found that 84 per cent of adults aged 18 to 24 are unaware they have diabetes. 

“Advanced CKD (stage 4 and stage 5) often leads to complications such as limited physical activity, poor mental health and a reduced quality of life. 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.

Dr Wong also attributed major changes in dietary habits and lifestyle choices for the worrying increase in the obesity rate in Malaysia, as once rich in fiber and wholesome ingredients, traditional diets have increasingly been replaced by a greater dependence on processed foods and sugary drinks.

The obesity risk is then worsened by the decline in physical activity, as many children and adults have adopted more sedentary lifestyles with higher screen time rather than outdoor activities like football, cycling and running around.

“Additionally, Malaysia’s round-the-clock food culture is also a contributing factor to the issue...Food is available 24/7 here. If you’re tempted to eat at midnight, you can find a meal, and young adults are working long hours where convenience trumps nutrition when it comes to food," he said.  

Meanwhile, Dr Wong said early action against obesity - including swapping processed foods for fiber-rich options, reducing sugar and staying active - can help prevent kidney disease. Regular health screenings are also crucial for early detection.  

“Families must focus on balanced diets and encourage children to stay active from a young age. For those already dealing with obesity, small but consistent changes can help protect kidney health.  

“Cutting back on sugar isn’t an overnight fix. Your taste buds need time to adjust, but over time, you’ll crave less sweetness,” he explained.  

-- BERNAMA

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