Chronic Kidney Disease Cases Surge Due to Physical Inactivity

​ Updated ⁤May 30, 2025
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A new global⁤ analysis⁤ reveals a significant increase in chronic kidney disease (CKD) cases and deaths linked to low ⁢physical activity over the​ past three decades. The study,‌ published ⁣in BMC Nephrology, highlights growing health disparities​ across different regions, genders, and‍ age groups.

The American⁢ Kidney Fund (AKF) ⁣estimates that ⁤approximately 35.5 million⁢ people ​in the U.S. have kidney disease. The AKF ‌stresses that maintaining a ⁢healthy weight, following a kidney-amiable diet, regular ⁤testing, and being ​physically ‌active are key to preventing kidney disease.

In⁢ 2021,physical inactivity contributed to over 40,900 deaths and 913,000 ⁤disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) worldwide due to CKD. ‍This represents a substantial increase since 1990. The age-standardized death ‍rate rose to 0.50 per 100,000 people, and ⁢the age-standardized DALY rate climbed to 10.81⁢ per 100,000.

Women experienced a 200% increase in CKD-related deaths, compared to a 193% increase for men. In 2021,⁣ women accounted for 22,920 deaths,⁤ while⁣ men accounted for 17,990. The age-standardized DALY rate was also higher for women (9.63 vs 7.15 per 100,000).

Regions with a low socio-demographic index⁣ (SDI) experienced a 103% increase in deaths⁤ and a 102% rise in DALYs. High-SDI ​regions saw a ​234% surge in deaths, particularly among men. ‌middle- and high-middle-SDI regions‌ reported increases of 218% and 168%,‍ respectively.

The Americas experienced the most ‍dramatic increase,⁢ with deaths rising by 282% and DALYs by 236%. Africa also reported significant increases, especially among women, with deaths rising ​by 174%. Europe ‍saw a more modest increase, with deaths up 144%⁤ and DALYs up 76%.

China saw a 140% ⁤increase in CKD deaths ‍due to physical inactivity between 1990 and 2021. While men experienced ‌a slightly higher growth ⁣rate, women⁤ still accounted for more total deaths.

The study found that⁣ the‌ CKD burden from inactivity was low in younger adults but increased considerably after age 55,‍ peaking in those 85 ⁢and older. Low-SDI ‌countries⁣ bore a heavier burden across all age groups.

Despite men having slightly higher mortality and DALY rates women consistently saw ‍higher absolute numbers, especially⁣ in low-SDI and african regions.

⁣ “The global burden of chronic kidney disease attributable to low physical activity has increased significantly, especially in⁢ low-income regions, older populations, and among women,” ‌the ‍authors wrote. “There is an urgent need to promote physical activity and implement early preventive interventions, particularly in vulnerable populations.”
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What’s ‍next

Experts emphasize that promoting even modest levels of physical activity could significantly impact preventing CKD and improving global health ⁢outcomes, especially as populations age and health care disparities⁢ widen. Further research ‍is needed​ to ‍understand the sex-specific vulnerabilities⁣ and tailor interventions accordingly.