Obesity is a significant risk factor diabetes, hypertension and both of which are the leading causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hence, it is important to lose weight. If you are aiming weight loss, increasing the protein intake is one of the hallmarks. High protein diet when combined with a low carbohydrate and low calorie diet can show positive results. However, if one has CKD; then protein intake needs careful consideration. So, should you opt for a high-protein diet?
Currently, there are no conclusive guidelines that highlight the dietary interventions in people with obesity and chronic kidney disease. Until; we have concrete researches, we may need to rely on common CKD guidelines. So, what do the guideline state – whether to eat a high-protein or a low-protein diet? This blogs throws light on pros and cons of both – high-protein as well as low-protein diet approaches
Role of Proteins
Proteins are essential macronutrients for muscle maintenance, metabolism, and satiety, making it a key component of weight loss. However, when proteins are metaboloised they lead to build up of certain waste products of like urea which the kidneys must filter out. Healthy kidneys can excrete these waste products efficiently. But in CKD, kidneys are not able to do this job efficiently. Impaired kidney function makes it harder to eliminate these waste products
What Can High-Protein Diets Do in CKD?
Although high-protein diets, are known to promote weight loss but in CKD, excess protein intake can cause more damage than good. In CKD, high protein diets can:
- Increase burden on kidneys: If you eat more proteins, then your kidneys may have to work extra to deal with the waste products, this puts additional strain on the kidneys
- Accelerate disease progression: Foods rich in proteins are also rich in potassium as well as phosphorus both of which can lead to complications with CKD. High protein diets may speed up the loss of kidney function in CKD
How Do Low-Protein Diets Work in CKD?
A low-protein diet (LPD) – 0.6–0.8g of protein per kg of body weight, is often recommended for CKD patients. Its benefits include:
- Reduced burden on kidneys: Lower protein intake means less waste to filter
- Slower CKD progression: Several researches have indicated over the years that controlling protein intake can delay the need for renal replacement therapy (dialysis or kidney transplant)
- Improved metabolic balance: LPDs help manage phosphate, acid levels, and other CKD-related complications
How Can One Achieve Weight Loss if One has CKD?
For individuals with obesity and CKD, the approach towards weight loss should be tweaked in order to suit kidney health:
- Moderate protein intake: Choose plant based proteins over animal protein and restrict processed meats. To watch our recipes for chorni kidney disease, click here
- Reduce fat intake: Significant reduction can be achieved in the daily visible fat intake (i.e. oil and ghee, etc) while the invisible fat intake too can be lowered with help of a Renal Dietitian
- Low carbohydrate intake: Prefer complex carbohydrates (e.g. cereals, legumes) over simple carbohydrates (sugar)
- Incorporate fiber-rich foods: Fiber- rick foods like whole grains, dals, pulses and legumes, vegetables, fruits aid digestion as well as weight reduction
- Limit sodium and processed foods: This helps manage blood pressure and fluid retention. To know more about the type of salt that is best for chronic kidney disease, click here
- Work with a Renal Dietitian: A personalized plan ensures safe and effective weight management. To know more about our expert Renal Dietitan, click here
Which Approach May Work Best?
For people with CKD and obesity, a moderate-protein, kidney-friendly diet is the safest option. While high-protein diets may accelerate kidney damage, low-protein diets should be followed under medical supervision. The goal should be gradual, sustainable weight loss through balanced nutrition and lifestyle changes
If you’re managing both obesity and CKD, consult a renal dietitian to develop a customized plan that supports both weight loss and kidney health.
Need expert guidance on renal nutrition? Call us on 7208363223 for personalized diet plans and kidney-friendly weight loss strategies.
