Weight Change in Kidney Transplant Recipients: An Academic Medical Center-Based Study

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Kidney transplant recipients often experience weight gain in the first year after transplantation and this weight gain is associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease, new-onset diabetes, metabolic syndrome and loss of graft function. The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of transplant recipients at our institution and describe post-transplant weight change. Methods Utilizing the institution's research data repository, we searched for adult kidney transplant patients from January 2014 through February 2019. Percent weight change at 6 and 12 months was calculated as a percentage of total body weight from time of transplant. Weight gain was defined as an increase of 5% or more while weight stable was classified as no weight change or less than 5% gain. Weight loss was defined as losing 5% or more of body weight from baseline. Results Of 598 cases, the sample was predominantly male (n = 361; 60%), married (n = 355; 59%) and white (n = 415; 69%). At transplant, mean age was 51.3 ± 13.5 years and mean weight was 85.26 ± 20.10 kg (males = 90.62 ± 20.73 kg; females = 77.53 ± 16.33 kg). At 6 months post-transplant, 87% of recipients (n = 518) had recorded weights. Of those individuals, 26% (n = 133) experienced weight gain (mean + 11.9%; median + 9.9%), gaining on average 8.9 ± 5.09 kg. Thirty one % (n = 163) lost weight (mean −10.3%; median - 8.8%), and 43% (n = 222) were weight stable. At 12 months post-transplant, 78.1% (n = 467) of patients had recorded weights. Of those individuals, 42% (n = 195) experienced weight gain (mean + 13%, median + 10%), 18% (n = 86) lost weight (mean −10.95%, median - 8.94%), and 40% (n = 185) maintained baseline weight. Those who gained weight during this period experienced a 10.16 ± 6.00 kg increase. Conclusions Post-transplant weight gain is a critical issue among our institution's kidney transplant recipients with more than 40% gaining significant weight, placing them at risk for early mortality and decreased graft survival. Healthcare professionals should continue to educate and direct recipients to weight management programs to control the amount of weight gained following transplantation. Helping kidney transplant recipients prevent unnecessary weight gain is essential to their prolonged survival and quality of life. Funding Sources None.