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The Diet Silently Killing Kidneys

A new study has raised concerns about the impact of “yo-yo” dieting—repeated cycles of weight loss and gain—on kidney health in individuals with type 1 diabetes. The research found that those with greater weight fluctuations experienced a 40% decrease in kidney function, specifically in their ability to filter toxins from the blood. The findings were published on February 4 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

Lead researcher Dr. Marion Camoin from the University Hospital Center Bordeaux in France highlighted that the study is the first to show a link between body weight variability and the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), independent of traditional risk factors for DKD.

Approximately 35% of men and 55% of women experience yo-yo dieting, and this pattern has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease in both healthy individuals and those with diabetes, according to the study’s background notes.

While type 1 diabetes has historically been associated with lean individuals, obesity is becoming more prevalent in this group as well as the general population.

The study analyzed six years of body weight data from over 1,400 participants in a long-term diabetes health study. Researchers compared weight fluctuations with six measures of kidney function. They found that those who experienced significant weight changes were more likely to show signs of declining kidney function and higher levels of albumin in their urine, a protein linked to kidney disease.

The exact mechanisms behind how yo-yo dieting affects kidney health remain unclear, but researchers noted that insulin, a common treatment for type 1 diabetes, might contribute to weight cycling. Additionally, some experts believe that repeated weight loss and gain can strain the heart, which in turn may harm the kidneys and blood vessels.

The study concludes that weight management strategies for people with type 1 diabetes should focus on maintaining stable weight over the long term, as this may lead to better overall health outcomes.