Issues of Obesity in Kidney Transplantation

The purpose of this literature review is to evaluate the scientific evidence regarding the relationship between obesity and outcome of renal transplant recipients. The impact of obesity on kidney transplant outcomes continues to be controversial. Obesity seems to influence delayed graft failure, graft survival, and patient survival. A body mass index of 35 kg/m² or more is significant for greater posttransplant complications, especially new-onset transplant diabetes mellitus, wound complications, and posttransplant weight gain. Several important advances in the general medical management of the patient, both before and after transplantation, have occurred over the last decade. The decrease in mortality may be related to better patient management, whereas the improvement in graft survival is most likely the result of more effective immunotherapy and better management of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, which overall lessens the risk of obesity among kidney transplant recipients.