Evaluation of Renal Function Indices among Overweight and Obese Students at Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Nigeria

Background: Excess body weight is reported as a risk factor for renal impairment. Chronic kidney disease has become a cause of mortality with an increase in 95% over a few decades. Evaluating renal function indices in young adult populations is essential for the identification of obesity-related kidney dysfunction. Data on obesity related dysfunction in relationship to renal function among university students are scarce, limiting risk identification and preventive measures. Aim: The study was aimed at evaluating some renal function indices of overweight and obese students of Joseph Ayo Babalola University. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study. A total of 92 apparently healthy students were recruited for the study. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using a stadiometer and weighing scale to obtain body mass index (BMI), while venous blood were collected from the antecubital vein into appropriate blood collection tubes for electrolytes analysis by ion-selective electrode (ISE); creatinine, by Jaffe’s method; urea, by Berthelot method; and uric acid by the uricase–PAP method and glucose by glucose oxidase method. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson’s correlation, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Result: ANOVA revealed significant differences in BMI across underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese categories (p < .05), whereas mean values of renal parameters and fasting blood glucose did not differ significantly between groups. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed no significant association between BMI and renal parameters among underweight participants. In normal-weight subjects, BMI was positively associated with uric acid levels (r = 0.4476), while a negative association was observed between BMI and chloride levels in overweight subjects (r = - 0.4818). No significant association between BMI and renal parameters was found in obese subjects. Overall, the findings suggest that the study population was not at increased risk of metabolic disorders. Conclusion: There were no significant differences in renal function indices among overweight and obese students, indicating that variations in body weight in these apparently healthy individuals were not associated with impairment of renal excretory function.