Primary prevention of chronic kidney disease: modification of lifestyle factors

Weight management a. We suggest the maintenance of a stable (within 5%), healthy weight as it is associated with a lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease (2C) b. We suggest, where weight loss is required, the use of medications such as topiramate (if available) in conjunction with a non-pharmacological weight loss programme to increase weight loss and reduce the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (2B) Dietary modification c. We suggest adherence to a low salt diet (<100 mmol or 2300mg/ day) to reduce the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (2C) d. We suggest a normal dietary protein intake, as the relative benefits versus harms of dietary protein restriction has not been adequately established (2D) Lifestyle modification e. We recommend avoidance or cessation of cigarette smoking to reduce the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (1D) f. We suggest that patients with identified excessive alcohol consumption should receive psychological support and interventions to minimise excessive intake (2D) g. We suggest that patients be encouraged to undertake regular physical exercise to reduce the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Exercise needs to be appropriate for their physical ability and medical history (2C)