Apple-shaped bodies linked to higher risk of kidney disease

People who are otherwise healthy are still at risk People who carry excess weight around their abdomen are at a higher risk of kidney disease, a study has found. Scientists had already confirmed that apple-shaped bodies, as opposed to pear-shaped, are more prone to developing cardiovascular problems, but the reasons were unclear.
The new research suggests that having fat concentrated around the waist is linked with blood flowing at a reduced rate but higher pressure through the kidneys.
People with apple-shaped bodies have an increased risk of harmful high blood pressure in their kidneys, scientists have found.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, looked at more than 300 people who had either a healthy bodyweight or who were overweight.
The research found that having a larger waist-to-hip ratio – as seen in those who are apple-shaped – is linked to decreased kidney function, lower kidney blood flow and higher blood pressure in the kidneys.
This was found even in those who were considered otherwise healthy.
“We found that apple-shaped persons - even if totally healthy and with normal blood pressure - have elevated blood pressure in their kidneys," said study leader Dr Arjan Kwakernaak, from the University Medical Centre Groningen in the Netherlands.
"When they are also overweight or obese, this is even worse."
Researchers added that these findings could mean that apple-shaped individuals may benefit from cutting salt levels and targeted drug treatments.