Mechanism of Weight Gain in Kidney Transplantation Recipients

Purpose: Weight gain after kidney transplantation is one of the common complications, which might lead to co-morbid conditions including hypertension and diabetes. It is closely related to early graft loss, unfavorable long-term outcomes and poor survival rate. In this paper, we discussed various factors which might induce weight gain after kidney transplant. Methods: The impact of demographic factors, immunosuppressants, nutrition and physical activity, psychosocial factors and genomic factors in weight gain after kidney transplant is reviewed. Results: Factors related to weight gain post-transplant include demographic features (race and gender), immunosuppressants, unbalanced nutrition intake and decreased physical activity, depression and low socioeconomic status, and highly expressed obesity-related genes. However, study results vary depending on the characteristics of the study population, duration of the observation post-transplant and analysis method. Conclusion: Many factors related to weight gain after kidney transplant are modifiable. Therefore, prior to transplantation and during the post-transplant period, clinicians should consider all these factors to provide appropriate interventions to prevent weight gain.