Your Teen’s Weight Could Be Linked to Chronic Kidney Disease

If your child is overweight, they may be at risk of developing chronic kidney disease in early adulthood. Once that happens, it’s impossible to repair the damage, so it’s important to encourage your child to eat well and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight.

Why Weight Matters

Excess weight in teenagers can contribute to the development of chronic kidney disease in early adulthood for several reasons. Obesity often is linked to co-morbidities associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol, all of which can progressively damage the kidneys. Obesity also promotes hyperfiltration, where the kidneys filter blood at an accelerated rate, placing additional strain on them and increasing the risk of long-term harm.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

There is no single ideal weight to maintain healthy kidneys; it depends on each teen’s characteristics, such as age, sex and risk factors. Maintaining a healthy weight through nutrition and regular exercise is essential for mitigating risks. Poor eating habits, such as consuming processed foods, sugary drinks and snacks, combined with a sedentary lifestyle that involves limited exercise or prolonged screen time, can lead to an imbalance in energy intake and expenditure. This can result in weight gain, which over time increases the risk of obesity and related health issues.

Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease

Diabetes and high blood pressure probably are the most important risk factors for chronic kidney disease. Another key risk factor is having recurrent urinary tract infections at an early age. Of course, there also are some congenital and genetic factors that can predispose your child to develop chronic kidney disease.

Warning Signs of Chronic Kidney Disease

Signs of chronic kidney disease are nonspecific and can be subtle in the early stages. Some common symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Swelling of extremities or face
• Decreased urination
• High blood pressure
• Appetite changes
• Nausea

Some of these, unfortunately, do not appear until the disease reaches advanced stages. For this reason, routine check-ups are crucial for early detection, especially in kids with risk factors.

Treating Chronic Kidney Disease

If parents suspect their child may have chronic kidney disease, they should consult their pediatrician promptly. The physician can evaluate the child’s symptoms, order appropriate tests to assess kidney function and, if necessary, refer the child to a pediatric nephrologist for specialized care. Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing chronic kidney disease effectively.