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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Obesity and change in estimated GFR among older adults
Ian H de Boer1, Ronit Katz, Linda F Fried
1Division of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. deboer@u.washington.edu
Background:
The prevalence of chronic kidney disease is growing most rapidly among older adults; however, determinants of impaired kidney function in this population are not well understood. Obesity assessed in midlife has been associated with chronic kidney disease.
Study Design:
Cohort study.
Setting & Participants:
4,295 participants in the community-based Cardiovascular Health Study, aged >or= 65 years.
Predictors:
Body mass index, waist circumference, and fat mass measured using bioelectrical impedance.
Outcome:
Change in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) during 7 years of follow-up.
Measurements:
Longitudinal estimates of GFR calculated using the 4-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study equation.
Results:
Estimated GFR decreased by an average of 0.4 +/- 3.6 mL/min/1.73 m(2)/y, and rapid GFR loss (>3 mL/min/1.73 m(2)/y) occurred in 693 participants (16%). Baseline body mass index, waist circumference, and fat mass were each associated with increased risk of rapid GFR loss: ORs, 1.19 (95% CI, 1.09-1.30) per 5 kg/m(2), 1.25 (95% CI, 1.16-1.36) per 12 cm, and 1.14 (95% CI, 1.05-1.24) per 10 kg after adjustment for age, sex, race, and smoking. The magnitude of increased risk was larger for participants with estimated GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) at baseline (P for interaction < 0.05). Associations were substantially attenuated by further adjustment for diabetes, hypertension, and C-reactive protein level. Obesity measurements were not associated with change in GFR estimated using serum cystatin C level.
Limitations:
Few participants with advanced chronic kidney disease at baseline, no direct GFR measurements.
Conclusion:
Obesity may be a modifiable risk factor for the development and progression of kidney disease in older adults.
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