Study Highlights Growing Burden of CKD Attributable to Low Physical Activity

The burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) attributable to physical inactivity increased significantly from 1990-2021, according to findings from a recent study.1

Leveraging data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021, the study found that despite some regional declines in mortality rates, global CKD-related deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) have risen significantly, especially in low-sociodemographic index (SDI) regions, among older adults, and in females.1

“In recent years, low physical activity has become a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases, contributing to the increased incidence of various chronic conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and CKD,” ZhenYi Zhao, of the School of Competitive Sports at Beijing Sport University in China, and colleagues wrote.1

According to the American Kidney Fund (AKF), an estimated 35.5 million people in the US have kidney disease, which is the fastest-growing noncommunicable disease in the US. In addition to maintaining a healthy weight, following a kidney-friendly food and fluid plan, and getting tested for kidney disease, the AKF cites being physically active as an important lifestyle modification to prevent kidney disease.2 However, the date, there is limited research on trends in CKD burden attributable to low physical activity.1

To assess spatiotemporal trends in the burden of CKD attributable to physical inactivity from 1990-2021, investigators examined data from GBD 2021 on CKD-related deaths, age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs), DALYs, age-standardized DALY rates (ASDRs), and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC).1

In the GBD study, physical activity was measured among individuals ≥ 25 years of age, covering activities lasting ≥ 10 minutes in different settings and using the metabolic equivalent of task (MET), which is the ratio of energy expended during an activity to resting energy expenditure. Acknowledging the minimum recommended level is 3000-4500 MET-minutes per week, investigators defined low physical activity as < 3,000 MET-minutes per week.1

In 2021, CKD attributable to low physical activity resulted in 913,070 (95% UI, 348,170–1,619,770) DALYs and 40,920 (95% UI, 16,170–72,560) deaths globally, both of which were greater than those reported in 1990.1

Globally, investigators noted the number of deaths due to CKD attributable to physical inactivity increased by 197.21% from 1990 to 2021, with a greater increase observed among females (200.39%) than males (193.18%). The EAPC of deaths globally was 0.65 (95% CI, 0.57–0.73), with a greater EAPC for females (0.71; 95% CI, 0.61–0.82) than for males (0.49; 95% CI, 0.44–0.55).1

Further analysis revealed the DALYs due to CKD attributable to physical inactivity increased by 156.60% from 1990 to 2021. Again, the increase was greater in females (158.85%) than males (153.99%). The global EAPC of DALYs was 0.42 (95% CI, 0.35–0.48), with an EAPC of 0.49 (95% CI, 0.41–0.57) for females and 0.30 (95% CI, 0.26–0.34) for males.1

Investigators noted the increase was greatest in low-SDI regions, with deaths increasing by 103.26% and DALYs increasing by 101.68%. In the Americas, they observed a 281.92% increase in deaths and a 236.06% increase in DALYs.1

“The findings of this study highlight the significant role of low physical activity in increasing the CKD burden and provide essential data to support the development of global and regional public health policies aimed at mitigating this growing burden,” investigators concluded.1

References

1. Zhao Z, Mi J, Jin H, et al. Global trends in chronic kidney disease mortality and disability-adjusted life years attributable to low physical activity (1990-2021): a growing public health challenge. BMC Nephrol. doi:10.1186/s12882-025-04117-z

2. American Kidney Fund. Quick kidney disease facts and stats. February 11, 2025. Accessed April 29, 2025. https://www.kidneyfund.org/all-about-kidneys/quick-kidney-disease-facts-and-stats