Low Activity & Kidney Health: Global Trends
- 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 American Kidney Fund (AKF) estimates that approximately 35.5 million people in the U.S.
- In 2021,physical inactivity contributed to over 40,900 deaths and 913,000 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) worldwide due to CKD.
Low physical activity fuels a global surge in chronic kidney disease (CKD) cases and deaths, according to a new analysis. The study reveals alarming trends: women and those in low-income regions are disproportionately affected, and the Americas have seen the most dramatic increases. In 2021 alone, inactivity contributed to over 40,900 deaths from CKD worldwide. Experts are now urging increased physical activity as a critical step to combat the rising rates of this debilitating condition. This report, found on news Directory 3, explores the growing health disparities and highlights the urgent need for intervention. Discover what’s next for preventing CKD.
Chronic Kidney Disease Cases Surge Due to Physical Inactivity
Updated May 30, 2025
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.”
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.