One side effect of CKD is weight loss due to malnutrition. Malnutrition can arise from several factors with CKD. This blog post will look at navigating side effects of CKD, specifically unplanned weight loss. These can include:
Reduced Appetite: CKD can cause a loss of appetite or changes in taste, making it difficult to consume an adequate amount of nutrients and calories. This is a common cause of malnutrition and CKD.
Dietary Limitations: Limitations on protein, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium intake are common, making it challenging to maintain nutritional needs and a healthy weight. An important reason why working with a renal dietitian helps.
Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can contribute to malnutrition and weight loss, increasing the body’s energy needs and resulting in muscle wasting.
Digestive Issues: CKD can impact the digestive system with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, further contributing to a reduced intake of nutritious foods.
Medications: Some medications used to treat CKD may have side effects that alter appetite or nutrient absorption, also contributing to weight loss.
What is malnutrition and CKD?
Malnutrition refers to the condition where one’s diet does not provide the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals required for the body to function optimally. This can present as undernutrition, when intake of nutrients is inadequate, leading to deficiencies, or overnutrition, involving excessive intake of nutrients along with insufficient intake of others.Â
Malnutrition can result from various factors as seen with CKD and inadequate intake, poor nutrient absorption, and other conditions that impact nutrient metabolism.Â
Unplanned weight loss
Unplanned Weight Loss refers to a reduction in body weight that occurs unintentionally, without deliberate effort to lose weight. It is considered significant and a cause for concern when there is a loss of more than 5% of your weight over 6 to 12 months. This can result from various factors including CKD and other medical and chronic conditions.Â
Tips and tricks to combat malnutrition
Gaining weight with CKD can be challenging however, it is possible to work with a registered dietitian to develop a personalized plan that supports your needs. Some strategies to manage malnutrition include:
Increase Caloric Intake: consume more calories by including healthy, kidney-friendly snacks and meals. Select nutrient-dense foods such as smoothies to meet nutritional needs. Check out this resource for some ways to increase calories.
Healthy Fats: include healthy fats in your diet such as nuts, seeds and olive oil.
Frequent Meals and Snacks: consider consuming smaller, more frequent meals and snacks to consume more calories throughout the day.
Monitor Fluid Intake: Select nutrient-rich foods over large volumes of low-calorie beverages. For example, smoothies can be a great way to include nutrient-rich foods and maintain our hydration.
Remember, consult with your healthcare team or renal dietitian before making significant changes to your diet. They can provide personalized guidance based on your needs to achieve weight gain safely.
This article was written by Neha Dewan, Nutrition Student Volunteer.
This article was reviewed by Emily Campbell, RD CDE MScFN.
