Unhealthy hot spots: Obesity driving up rates of kidney disease

GROWING numbers of obese Australians are driving up the rates of kidney disease with a new report revealing Australia’s unhealthy hot spots.

Overweight people increase their risk of kidney disease by half. Picture: Thinkstock

• Aussie toddlers set for obesity pain
• The true cost of obesity in Australia
• Get slim or face sack, Victorians warned

KIDNEY disease is becoming more common as Australia’s waistline expands.

Most of the 16 health networks with obesity rates above the national average also have a higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease, a new Kidney Health Australia report shows.

These include the Western Victoria and Eastern Melbourne networks.

It is estimated 63 per cent of Australians are overweight or obese and as many as one in 10 have chronic kidney disease.

The report shows some areas have obesity rates as high as 73 per cent and chronic kidney disease rates estimated at up to 20 per cent — double the national average.

Overweight people increase their risk of kidney disease by half — and obese people double their risk — because their kidneys have to work harder to filter blood, eventually damaging their function.

The toll of chronic kidney disease on families can be ­profound.

Kara Maisano, 34 and her mother Luciana Maisano. Picture: Jason Edwards

For years, Kara Maisano, 34, watched her mother, Luciana, struggle, unable even to drink a glass of water because dialysis requires such strict fluid control. Her chronic kidney disease resulted from diabetes developed years earlier.

Like many others, the first she knew of a problem was when her kidneys stopped working.

“It sounds terrible, but she was like a walking corpse,” Ms Maisano said.

“Her skin was a greenish grey, and she had no energy.”

After many years’ dialysis, Luciana, 59, eventually had a kidney and pancreas transplant, but the experience had a big impact on her daughter.

“I was determined I would do anything within my control to prevent diabetes and reduce the risk of kidney disease by eating well and exercising,” Ms Maisano said.

She tries to stick to eating low-carbohydrate foods, and five days a week runs to work in Carlton from St Kilda.

Kidney Health Australia CEO Mikaela Stafrace said the report, showing a strong correlation between obesity and chronic kidney disease, was of concern.

[e-mail]