Dietary and Lifestyle Advice: An Integral Part of the Therapeutic Approach for Patients With Renal Transplant

Following kidney transplantation patients undergo a series of metabolic changes which often lead to the onset of metabolic syndrome. This is one of the main risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases and chronic renal transplant dysfunction. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is considered one of the most effective strategies to avoid or mitigate these consequences. Nevertheless, the pivotal issue remains with the adherence of patients to the prescribed recommendations. In the present study, a total of 34 renal transplant recipients were enrolled. The study utilized 2 questionnaires, with the initial one assessing the patients' awareness of the benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle. The second questionnaire was administered after the patients had received appropriate counsel, with the aim of evaluating their compliance in implementing the recommended lifestyle changes. A notable finding was that the majority of patients recognized their significance, adhered to them, and regarded them as beneficial for their quality of life, the functionality of their graft, and their overall survival. Consequently, it appears evident that lifestyle recommendations should be incorporated as a fundamental component of the therapeutic approach for RTRs.