Renal failure and excess weight

The kidneys filter electrolytes and then feed them back into the blood. They also eliminate metabolic products and water together with the urine. In chronic renal failure, the kidneys are no longer able to perform their filtering and reabsorption function in the body. As a consequence, a life-threatening build-up of toxic substances (uremia) may occur in the body.

Metabolic conditions and renal failure

Excess weight not only puts strain on the bones and joints, but also the heart, the blood vessels and the body's organs. Many people who are overweight or even obese have other cardiovascular diseases.
Metabolic conditions is a general term for a combination of illnesses which, in addition to excess weight or obesity, also include diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure and dyslipidemia (abnormal levels of cholesterol).

All these diseases have a negative effect on renal function. In particular, diabetes and blood pressure are the most significant risk factors for renal failure.

Excess weight and effects on health

Independently of these diseases, excess weight alone is recognized as a cause of impaired kidney function or renal failure.
Weight loss can prevent renal failure and have a positive effect on accompanying illnesses such as diabetes, dyslipidemia and high blood pressure.

Regular exercise and monitoring your body weight, blood glucose and blood pressure can assist with weight loss. Together with a healthy, balanced diet, these are key factors in reducing excess weight.

Measuring blood pressure and blood glucose for renal failure

In addition to weight control, it is important to take regular blood pressure and blood glucose measurements . Your doctor or pharmacist can provide you with further information on losing weight healthily.

BodyTel offers WeightTel, body scales, PressureTel, an upper arm blood pressure measuring device and GlucoTel, a blood glucose meter, which automatically record the measurement values in a personal diary.