Last updated: November 11, 2025
Medically reviewed by: NKF Education Team
Obesity and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are interconnected public health challenges affecting millions of Americans. More than 4 in 10 adults live with obesity, and approximately 35.5 million live with CKD. Evidence shows a bidirectional relationship: obesity increases CKD risk through mechanisms like glomerular hyperfiltration, proteinuria, and inflammation, while CKD can promote weight gain and metabolic dysfunction.
Newer treatments that support both kidney and metabolic health are changing how these conditions are managed. Despite obesity not traditionally being managed by nephrology, every member of the kidney care team can help patients with obesity reach and maintain a healthy weight, starting with the tools below.
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Information contained in this NKF educational resource is based on data available at the time of publication. It is intended to help clinicians stay informed about new scientific findings and developments. This resource is not intended to establish a preferred standard of care and should not be interpreted as prescribing an exclusive course of management.
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