Thesis Format
Monograph
Degree
Master of Science
Program
Foods and Nutrition
Supervisor
Dr. Janet Madill
2nd Supervisor
Dr. Brenda Hartman
Co-Supervisor
Abstract
Background: In Canada, 23,000 individuals require dialysis for end-stage kidney disease [ESKD] many of whom have a high Body Mass Index [BMI]. Obesity is a barrier to transplantation, making alternative body composition parameters crucial for assessing eligibility.
Background: In Canada, 23,000 individuals require dialysis for end-stage kidney disease [ESKD] many of whom have a high Body Mass Index [BMI]. Obesity is a barrier to transplantation, making alternative body composition parameters crucial for assessing eligibility.
Purpose:To explore body composition (BC) metrics in patients with ESKD with higher BMI (≥30 kg/m²) versus lower BMI (
Methodology:A prospective cohort study with 92 kidney recipients stratified into lower BMI (
Results:The higher BMI group had greater mean LBM (70.14 ± 15.25 kg) and mean %BF (31.90 ± 8.27%), while the lower BMI group had higher mean nHGS (0.44 ± 0.17 kg/m²). HGS (21% vs. 3%, p = 0.027) and nHGS (55% vs. 17%, p
Conclusion: These findings suggest that looking beyond BMI and considering overall body composition can provide clinicians a more robust medical picture of a patient’s health, helping them make more informed transplant decisions.
Summary for Lay Audience
In Canada, thousands of people with end-stage kidney disease rely on dialysis while waiting for a transplant. However, having a high Body Mass Index (BMI), or a high bodyweight, can make it harder to qualify for a transplant. Since BMI alone doesn’t tell the full story of a person’s health, our study explored other body composition measures in kidney transplant patients.
We analyzed data from 92 kidney transplant recipients, comparing those with a high BMI, or bodyweight, to those with a lower BMI, or lower bodyweight. We found that while individuals with a higher BMI had more muscle mass and body fat, those with a lower BMI had stronger handgrip strength—a key indicator of physical function.
These findings suggest that looking beyond BMI and considering overall body composition can give doctors a better picture of a patient’s health, helping them make more informed transplant decisions.
Recommended Citation
Kazamel, Reem, "Exploring body composition in people with chronic kidney disease with and without obesity" (2025). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 10762.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/10762