Recognition of Obesity and Perceptions of Weight Loss Management in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Obesity is, directly and indirectly, linked to the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, nephrologists’ recognition of obesity and willingness to address and manage obesity are unknown. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to investigate if obesity is recognized and documented in the clinical encounter and to examine nephrologists’ perceptions of obesity and comfort with weight loss management. DESIGN: We conducted a 2-part study. Part I used a retrospective chart review and part II used an anonymous online survey of practicing nephrologists (n = 14) in our center. SETTING: The study took place in the Multi-care Kidney Clinic (MCKC) at London Health Sciences Centre in London, Ontario, Canada. PATIENTS: In part I, we conducted a retrospective chart review of 10 random patients with advanced CKD and obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 30 kg/m(2)) from each of the nephrologists between January and December 2019. METHODS: In part I, charts were assessed for documentation of obesity and/or a treatment plan (lifestyle counseling, pharmacologic intervention, and specialist referral). In part II, a survey completed by the nephrologists explored their current experience and perceptions of obesity and comfort with weight loss management. Responses were ranked on a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: In all, 140 patient charts were reviewed. The median age was 69 (interquartile range [IQR] = 60-77) years, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 17 (IQR = 12-20) ml/min/1.73 m(2), weight was 99 (IQR = 90-116) kg, and BMI was 36 (IQR = 33-40) kg/m(2). Obesity with a BMI was documented in 36 (26%) charts, and only 2 (1%) documented a weight loss plan, which only included non-pharmacologic strategies. There were 13 survey responses (93% response rate). All nephrologists agreed that obesity negatively affects the health of patients with CKD. Twelve (92%) reported discussing obesity with patients, but none felt that they had time to treat it. All reported discussions of obesity would evoke a negative patient response, while 5 (38%) thought patients actually want to discuss obesity. Regarding treatment, 8 (62%) nephrologists felt comfortable with non-pharmacologic treatment, but only 1 respondent was comfortable with pharmacologic treatments. Twelve (92%) nephrologists thought patients should be referred to a specialist. LIMITATIONS: There was limited generalizability as this was a single center study. The BMI may reflect hypervolemia rather than body mass. CONCLUSION: In our study, nephrologists rarely document and manage obesity in patients with advanced CKD, despite their perception of treatment benefits. Improved outcomes of obesity management for patients with CKD will require increased knowledge and clinical tools to efficiently address obesity with patients.