Do You Gain Weight After Donating a Kidney?

Donating a kidney has a profound impact on the recipient of the kidney, helping them live a longer, healthier life. However, potential kidney donors may wonder what impact kidney donation will have on their own bodies, including the possibility of weight gain after donation.

So, does donating a kidney lead to weight gain? The short answer is: not necessarily. While there may be some factors that could contribute to weight fluctuations post-donation, there isn’t a direct correlation between kidney donation and weight gain for most individuals.

One factor to consider is the recovery period after surgery. Like any major surgical procedure, donating a kidney requires a period of recuperation, during which physical activity may be limited. This temporary decrease in activity levels could potentially lead to a slight increase in weight due to lower levels of activity.

Changes in post-donation lifestyle habits may also play a role. Some donors may experience changes in appetite, dietary preferences, or activity levels as they continue their recovery and adjust to life with one kidney. However, these changes vary from person to person and may not necessarily result in weight gain.

Another factor is the donor’s weight before surgery. A 2019 study that followed 151 living kidney donors who donated between January 2009 and December 2017 found that donors with a normal body mass index (BMI) before donation maintained a healthy body weight after donation.

However, donors with a BMI over 25 at the time of donation (in terms of BMI, a healthy weight is equivalent to a BMI of 18.5–24.9, while 25–29.9 is overweight and 30 or higher is obese) did show weight gain after donation. A 2018 study reached similar conclusions, following 940 living kidney donors and finding that those who were overweight or obese before donation gained the most weight after donation.

This underscores the need to maintain a healthy lifestyle post-donation. This includes eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and getting regular check-ups to monitor your health. For most kidney donors, this is not an issue. Many kidney donors maintain or even increase their levels of activity and attention to their health after donation, as they become more aware of their bodies and more grateful for their health.

If you have concerns about weight management or any other aspect of your health after kidney donation, it’s essential to discuss them with your healthcare provider, who can provide personalized guidance and support to help you navigate any potential challenges.