Increase in weight-gain tied to kidney ailments

Punjagutta: There is an estimated 30 per cent increase in 'weight-gain' linked kidney ailments since the start of Covid-19-induced lockdown last year.

Doctors say obesity is potent factor for the development of major risks for chronic kidney diseases, like diabetes and hypertension, and it has a direct impact on the development of even the end-stage renal disease.

"Sedentary habits have crept into everyday lives of people since the start of Covid-19 pandemic.The lockdown produced behavioural, psychosocial, and environmental changes which, through a variety of mechanisms, has led to widespread rapid weight gain amongst certain sections of the population.

There has been an increase in food shopping, food takeaway, and surge in alcohol sales, resulted in increase in obesity instances, and related kidney problems," said Gandhe Sridhar, Chief Consultant Nephrologist, Gleneagles Global Hospitals.

"Job losses linked to Covid-19 pandemic increased stress levels resulting into high-blood pressure and increase in metabolic syndrome among people, which is dangerous for the kidneys because it can increase the pressure on the glomeruli (tiny blood vessels in the kidneys where blood is cleaned).

It is best advised people lead a physically active life daily, to ensure their internal organs do not feel the pressure of excessive body weight," said DhananjayaKappadiLingappareddy, Consultant Nephrologist & Kidney Transplant Physician, Continental Hospitals.

According to P Vijay Verma, Consultant Nephrologist, SLG Hospitals, fear of Covid-19 pandemic dissuaded many with early-stage as well as end-stage kidney ailments from seeking timely medical help at hospitals.

"And this led to some devastating outcomes among the low immunity sections along with the aged population. People struggling with obesity fared poorly with their weight-control plans flying off the rails as they coped with the stress of the pandemic, and this did no good to those with kidney ailments," he added.

Doctors say kidney problems generally do not cause symptoms until they enter a more advanced stage. However, a basic metabolic panel and complete urine examination are standard tests that can be done as part of a routine medical exam to check blood for creatinine or urea.

These are chemicals that leak into the blood when the kidneys are not working properly. And one should be tested annually if they have diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure.