Effect of weight loss on renal function in overweight and obese patients with heart failure

Aims The effect of intentional weight loss on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in overweight and obese patients with heart failure (HF), diabetes mellitus (DM) and/or metabolic syndrome (MS) has not been studied. The purpose of the present study is to assess the short term effects of intentional weight loss on renal function in this population. Materials and methods Fifty nine patients were recruited to participate in a 3-month intensive behavioral weight management intervention and received one of two standard structured energy-restricted meal plans (1200 or 1500 kcal/day) based on their computed calorie deficit. Weight and renal function (serum creatinine, BUN and estimated glomerular filtration rate based on two formulas – Modification in Renal Disease Study (MDRD), and modified version of Cockcroft-Gault formula reported by Salazar Corcoran for obese patients (absolute and relative formulas) – were evaluated at baseline and at 3 months. Results Participants had eGFR in the normal range at baseline and lost an average of 7.56 ± 14.9 pounds (p < 0.0001) over 3 months; however, there was no significant reduction in serum creatinine, BUN or eGFR. Conclusion This study provides evidence that intentional weight loss in overweight and obese patients with HF along with DM, and/or MS and normal baseline renal function does not adversely affect renal function overtime.