Weight Gain After Kidney Transplant.

OBJECTIVES: Weight gain and obesity are frequent problems for renal transplant patients. The purpose of this review is to show why weight gain is experienced by patients after kidney transplant and the significance of prevention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: To investigate this topic, PubMed and Ulakbim databases were searched with the following key words: renal transplant and transplantation, weight gain, and obesity.

RESULTS: Weight gain frequently appears in the first year after transplant, and it is reported to be a common problem for patients within the first 6 months. Weight gain varies between 6 and 10 kg, and the change in mean body mass index varies between 2 and 3.8 kg/m2 after transplant. Potential factors causing weight gain after kidney transplant are the use of immunosuppressive medications to protect the newly implanted organ and the changes in life style, such as dietary intake and insufficient physical activity. In addition, weight gain is affected by factors such as age, sex, race, lack of acute rejection, genetics, and psychological factors related to stress.

CONCLUSIONS: A better understanding of food intake, physical activities, and environmental factors causing weight gain after kidney transplant and the development of dietary intake and physical activity protocols specific to individuals would be helpful for health care professionals.