Is there an association between obesity and renal function in a hypertensive Nigerian population? A cross-sectional study

Background: Obesity has become a worldwide epidemic and its prevalence has been projected to grow by 40% in the next decade. This increasing prevalence has implications for the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and also for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Obesity is one of the strongest risk factors for new-onset CKD . The aim of this study was to determine whether there was any association between the markers of adiposity and renal function in a Nigerian Adult population in hypertensive patients.  Methods: 144 Hypertensive subjects and 72 age- and sex-matched controls were recruited. Their waist circumference, body mass indices, and fasting lipid profile were determined. Diabetics were excluded from the study. Multiple logistic models were constructed to elucidate the independent determinants of eGFR.  Results:  The mean waist circumference of the hypertensive patients was 97.51±11.9cm while that of the control group was 86.11±18.5cm (p\u003c0.0001). 50% of the entire study population was obese with males making up to 20.6% and the females 74.4% (p\u003c0.001). Most of the obese subjects were in more advanced stages of CKD when compared with those who were non-obese (p=0.043) When binary logistic regression analysis of the whole population was performed waist circumference was predictive of renal function: waist circumference 1.10 (1.01-1.20), (p=0.029).  Conclusion: There was a significantly positive association between central obesity and renal function decline.  It can be used to predict the pathogenesis of CKD, which may be independent blood pressure levels.