[Obesity and kidney disease - renal consequences of an "epidemic"]

Overweight and obesity are widespread in the German population, affecting not only adults but also a significant number of children and adolescents. The risk to develop chronic kidney disease is markedly increased in overweight or adipose children, adolescents and adults.Overweight and obesity induced risk factors have a direct impact on the development of chronic renal disease (obesity-associated focal segmental glomerulosclerosis). They accelerate the progression of coexistent nephropathies (diabetic or hypertensive nephropathy, primary glomerulonephritides) and are independent risk factors for the development of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients.Obesity induced nephropathies are basically preventible. Marked weight reduction, normoglycemia and control of hypertension may contribute to an improved glomerular filtration rate and/or reduced proteinuria in early stages of renal damage.The prevalence of kidney diseases in Germany is 13 % and estimated 80 000 patients need renal replacement therapy. In order to avoid a further rapid increase in numbers, preventive measures should be enforced more rigorously.It is necessary to raise the awareness of the negative consequences of obesity in the general public, to motivate the public to adopt a healthier lifestyle and to install nephrological surveillance to contain the obesity "epidemic".