Global Burden and Trends of High BMI-Attributable CKD: A Comprehensive Analysis from 1990 to 2021 and Projections to 2035

Background: High body mass index (BMI) is a major modifiable risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD), significantly contributing to its global burden. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the global burden of CKD attributable to high BMI from 1990 to 2021, identify demographic and regional disparities, evaluate contributing risk factors, and project future trends through 2035. Methods: The population-based analysis utilized data from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) 2021, encompassing 204 countries and territories across 21 GBD regions. Decomposition analysis quantified drivers of mortality and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) changes, and Bayesian age-period-cohort models projected future trends. Age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) were assessed using percentage change and estimated annual percentage change. Results: From 1990 and 2021, the ASMR of CKD attributable to high BMI increased from 2.69 (95% UI: 1.37–4.14) to 5.06 (95% UI: 2.7–7.5) per 100,000, and the ASDR rose from 69.13 (95% UI: 35.06–106) to 122.08 (95% UI: 66.25–180.18) per 100,000. Projections estimate a continued increase by 2035, with ASMR reaching 5.81 (95% UI: 3.55–8.07) and ASDR 149.42 (95% UI: 99.45–199.39) per 100,000. Gender and age disparities were evident: males showed higher ASR increases and earlier onset of disease burden, while older females experienced a higher overall burden. Regionally, low- and low-middle SDI areas exhibited the most rapid burden escalation, while some high-income countries achieved burden reduction. Among the attributable etiologies, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were predominant, with hypertension more common in males (42.05%) and T2DM in females (43.71%). Conclusion: The global burden of CKD attributable to high BMI has risen markedly over the past three decades, with widening disparities by geography, age, and gender. The COVID-19 pandemic may have further complicated risk dynamics and data quality. These findings highlight an urgent need for globally coordinated but locally adapted prevention strategies, particularly targeting younger males and populations in low-SDI regions. Funding: Government Support – Non-U.S.