Weight gain can lead to several ailments. In some cases, the ailment causes
the weight gain, so this condition can be due to an underlying medical
condition, such as Polycystic Kidney Disease. Patients with this disease may be
aware of this problem. Then, what are the causes?
1. Formation and enlargement of cysts in the kidneys
Patients with PKD often have numerous cysts in the kidneys. The cysts are
filled with fluid, and they can slowly replace much of the mass of the kidneys,
impairing kidney function and resulting in kidney failure.
The cysts grow out of the nephrons, the filtering units of the kidney. Ultimately, the cysts will separate from the nephrons and continue to grow
bigger and bigger. The kidneys enlarge along with the cysts, which can number in
the thousands. In fully developed PKD, a kidney filled with cysts can weigh as
much as 22 pounds.
2. Unhealthy eating habits
A healthy diet, restricted in certain foods, may help slow the progression of
PKD. While, bad foods may lead to potential problems.
▪ Refined grains like white flour are low in fiber and nutrients and may lead
to weight gain when consumed in excess. So patients are recommended to limit the
intake of foods, such as potato chips, pretzels and crackers. Replace them with
100% whole grain equivalents.
▪ Added sugars, such as high fructose corn syrup and cane sugar, add sweet
flavor and calories, but few nutrients, to foods. Diets rich in added sugar are
related to weight gain and poor nutrition. Foods and beverages like candy, milk
chocolate, jelly, frosting, regular soft drinks, etc had better be limited.
3. Lack of physical activity
Individuals with PKD often haven't been working out as much. They often feel
tired a lot and just don't have the energy to go to the gym as often as they
were before. Over time, they may gain some weight.
Now we are clear of the reasons for weight gain in PKD, if we try to
eliminate the underlying cause, the problems will certainly be solved then.
