Obesity and chronic kidney disease.

Obesity is a common contributing factor to the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Obesity participates in the genesis of CKD by predisposing to diabetic nephropathy, hypertensive nephrosclerosis, and focal and segmental glomerular sclerosis. It also predisposes to calcium oxalate and urate stones. Additionally, obesity is associated with an increased prevalence and magnitude of proteinuria and a more rapid progression to CKD. There are many mechanisms by which obesity alters renal physiology and metabolism. More effective methods for treating obesity and preventing the development and progression of obesity-associated CKD are clearly needed. Therefore, there is a greater need for a better understanding of the causes of the excessive energy intake that leads to obesity and the mechanisms responsible for the refractoriness of obese individuals to treatment. Copyright 2010 National Kidney Foundation, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.