ASN Issues Guidance on Obesity Management in Patients With Kidney Diseases

The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) released its first Kidney Health Guidance on the Management of Obesity in Persons Living with Kidney Diseases. The guidance, which was published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, provides kidney health professionals and kidney care teams with education on existing tools for obesity management and guidance on implementing those tools within clinical practice based on evidence and expert opinion.

The Kidney Health Guidance emphasizes individualized health and weight-loss goals, sensitivity to weight stigma, and the importance of a comprehensive initial assessment including consideration of weight/risk assessment, medical factors/related comorbidities, behavioral health, and health-related social needs.

The guidance also highlights advancements in tools to treat obesity, including anti-obesity medications and metabolic and bariatric surgery, while endorsing lifestyle modifications to complement alternative interventions to initiate and sustain weight loss.

“Kidney health professionals confront the consequences of unhealthy weight for their patients on a daily basis,” said Deidra C. Crews, MD, ScM, FASN, ASN president. “Obesity is not only a significant risk factor for kidney diseases; it can limit access to and effectiveness of kidney care.  With growing interest in new advancements in obesity management, ASN’s Kidney Health Guidance integrates the latest scientific research with practical, multidisciplinary approaches to enhance the quality of life and health outcomes for persons with obesity and kidney diseases.”