Several factors contributing to post-transplant weight gain and obesity may occur during pre-, peri-, and/or post-transplant periods. The main factors are summarized in Figure 1.
Pre-transplant periodDuring the pre-transplant period, there are several factors related to advanced CKD and ESRD that potentially increase the risk for post-transplant weight gain and obesity. These main risk factors include:Pre-transplant obesity: Data from a single kidney transplant center revealed that around one-third of ESRD patients were
AbstractWeight gain and obesity are common after kidney transplantation. Several known risk factors for obesity in non-transplant population remain to be the important determining factors for obesity in kidney transplant recipients. In addition, some factors related to kidney transplantation contribute to post-transplant weight gain and obesity. These factors can occur during pre-, peri-, and/or post-transplant periods. During pre-transplant period, underlying conditions such as metabolic syndrome place the patients at risk for obesity after kidney transplantation. Positive fluid balance during peri-transplant period transiently causes posttransplant weight gain. Post-operative pain from surgical wounds limits physical activities and prevents weight loss especially in patients with pre-transplant obesity. Immunologic and non-immunologic factors during post-transplant period can become barriers to lose weight or even perpetuate obesity. Among of these factors, inappropriate dietary and nutrition management plays an important role in post-transplant weight gain and obesity. Apart from the dietary aspect, there are other factors contributing to post-transplant weight gain and obesity and these include the individual patient and their family, kidney transplant team through education and social aspects. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is required to prevent post-transplant weight gain and obesity.