Abstract
PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the intricate relationship between weight change patterns and the onset of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although obesity is recognized as a predisposing factor for CKD, the dynamics of weight fluctuation and its impact on CKD development are not well-defined. By analyzing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2011 to 2018, we sought to elucidate the association between weight trajectories and CKD risk. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included participants aged ≥40 years, employing body mass index (BMI) measurements at three life stages-baseline, age 25, and a decade preceding baseline-to categorize weight change patterns. Logistic regression was employed to evaluate the association of these patterns with CKD onset, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: The study encompassed 12,284 participants, with 2893 individuals diagnosed with CKD. Transitioning from normal weight to obesity and staying obese throughout adulthood were found to increase the risk of developing CKD. These associations remained consistent after adjusting for covariates but were statistically insignificant after adjusting for comorbidities. Notably, individuals transitioning from obesity to normal weight from age 25 to baseline and from 10 years before baseline to baseline demonstrated significant correlations with CKD but not between age 25 and 10 years before baseline. CONCLUSION: Obesity, weight gain throughout adulthood, and weight loss in middle-to-late adulthood are associated with an increased risk of CKD. This emphasizes the importance of long-term weight change patterns and maintaining a healthy weight throughout adulthood.