Obesity and bariatric surgery are a risk factor for kidney stones and chronic kidney disease. Prevalence of kidney stones is higher amongst patients with obesity (11.2%) vs patients with normal weight (6.1%). Bariatric surgery is effective for weight loss, however bariatric surgery is associated with increased risk of kidney stones (HR 4.1) and CKD (HR 1.96).

Because of the concurrent epidemics of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes (all independently associated with increased risks of stone formation), current projections estimate costs due to kidney stone disease to rise by $1.24 billion per year by 2030.

The underlying mechanism for kidney stone formation in patients with obesity is thought to be due to insulin resistance, dietary factors and lithogenic urinary risk profile. Insulin resistance alters renal acid-base mechanism, resulting in acidic urine pH and thus increasing risk for uric acid stones. Obesity is also associated with excess nutritional intake of lithogenic substances promoting calcium Oxalate stones. In addition, patients with bariatric surgery are associated with significant hyperoxaluria leading to calcium oxalate stones and oxalate nephropathy leading to progressive chronic kidney disease, at times needing dialysis.

Recorded during Overcoming Obesity 2022.

CME/CE Expiration Date: 5/1/25

*The expiration date listed above is the last day CME/CE credit can be claimed for this specific presentation.