Obesity, Ultra-Processed Foods Increase Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease

SUBANG JAYA: Obesity and excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) can impair kidney function, increasing the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Sunway Medical Centre nephrologist and kidney transplant specialist Dr Rosnawati Yahya said obesity is among the major factors contributing to an increased risk of CKD, besides potentially causing heart-related and metabolic complications.

“Obesity is not assessed solely based on body mass index (BMI), but also takes into account muscle composition, body fat, fluid levels and nutritional status to provide a more comprehensive assessment of a patient’s condition.

“Therefore, healthy eating habits and physical activity are essential in reducing the risk, including maintaining a balanced diet and limiting the intake of salt, sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods,” she said.

She was speaking at the Renal Nutrition Conference 2026 (RNC2026) at the Grand Dorsett Hotel in Subang Jaya today.

According to Dr Rosnawati, CKD management also requires a multidisciplinary approach involving doctors, nurses, dietitians and other healthcare professionals to ensure more comprehensive patient care.

Meanwhile, Monash University Professor of Dietetics Prof Dr K. Tilakavati said changes in the food industry have influenced how people obtain and consume food, with meals now becoming more convenient, readily available and quicker to prepare.

She said ultra-processed foods differ from traditional foods as they undergo industrial formulation, contain various additives and generally have a longer shelf life.

“Taste, convenience and price are among the factors driving excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods, particularly when these products are easily accessible and considered a more practical choice in everyday life.

“Consumption of ultra-processed foods is also associated with metabolic factors and chronic diseases that can affect kidney health, while high consumption is often linked to an increased risk of CKD,” she said.

The conference also featured knowledge-sharing sessions on obesity management across different stages of CKD, as well as ultra-processed food consumption and its effects on kidney health.

Themed “Translating Nutrition Evidence into Kidney Patient Care”, RNC 2026, held today and tomorrow, brings together 450 healthcare professionals, including nephrologists, dietitians, nurses, pharmacists and allied healthcare professionals.

MEDIA SELANGOR