The Basics of Losing Weight with Kidney Disease

When living with kidney disease, you may also hear about weight gain as it relates to fluid management. Since your kidneys aren’t able to filter your blood properly, your weight may fluctuate slightly due to a buildup of fluid in your body. Managing your fluid intake is important to avoid a fluid overload and protect your kidneys, however, it is a separate discussion from managing your dry weight.

Managing your dry weight can help you take control of your health and reduce your risk of other chronic diseases. If you are overweight, it’s important to work with your doctor and renal dietitian to develop a plan to lose weight.

Below are a few tips to help you lose or maintain weight when living with kidney disease.

1. Choose fresh foods. Fresh foods like vegetables and fruits are healthier options than processed and fast foods. In general, fruits and vegetables are lower in calories. Try including fresh foods in your diet in place of processed foods. For example, when reaching for a snack, grab a bowl of fruit instead of a bag of chips.
2. Read nutrition labels. Reading nutrition labels will help you select healthier options so you can lose weight and improve your overall health. Make sure to check the serving size and calorie content—the amounts shown are for one serving. Keep an eye out for certain ingredients to limit, such as sugar and saturated fat. Keep saturated fat under 10% Daily Value and avoid trans fat altogether. Choose foods that contain fiber. Eating more fiber will help promote weight loss.
3. Monitor your protein intake. Protein creates a waste called urea, and for people with kidney disease, your body may have a hard time removing this from your blood. While it’s still important to include protein in your diet—it plays a role in building and repairing muscles—you may need to watch your portion sizes and how often you eat protein-rich foods. Whenever possible, choose plant-based options or fresh, lean animal products, and avoid processed proteins like hot dogs and chicken nuggets. Your doctor and renal dietitian can help you determine your ideal daily protein intake.
4. Consider a plant-based protein diet. A plant-rich diet can help slow the progression of kidney disease, assist with weight loss, improve blood pressure, and manage diabetes. Plant-rich foods are high in fiber and vitamins that will keep you feeling full longer, which helps reduce your food intake and promote healthy weight loss.
   
5. Limit your calorie intake. Reducing your calorie intake will help you lose weight since excess or unused calories are stored as fat. Choose foods that are lower in calories—mainly fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid high-calorie foods like baked sweets as well as deep fried and processed foods. These foods are usually high in sugar and unhealthy fats that cause unwanted weight gain.
6. Add exercise to your daily routine. In addition to eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, exercise can help you lose weight and improve your overall health. Get your body moving by taking a walk, or try something more active like swimming. Choose an activity you’ll enjoy, start with 15 minutes a day, and work your way up from there.

Each person’s needs are unique and may vary depending on their stage of kidney disease. Talk to your doctor and renal dietitian before making any dietary or lifestyle changes. They will work with you to develop a plan that works best for you and your specific health need.

References

¹ Allon N. Friedman, Lee M. Kaplan, Carel W. le Roux, and Philip R. Schauer, “Management of Obesity in Adults with CKD,” Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 32, no. 4 (April 2021): 777-790, https://jasn.asnjournals.org/content/32/4/777.

² Moira Lawler, “8 Ways Weight Loss Can Help Control Diabetes,” Everyday Health, last reviewed November 10, 2020, https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/diabetes-guide-managing-blood-sugar/how-losing-weight-helps/.

³ “Managing Weight to Control High Blood Pressure.” American Heart Association, last reviewed October 31, 2016. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/managing-weight-to-control-high-blood-pressure.