Which statement about BMI and dialysis outcomes is true?

Which statement about BMI and dialysis outcomes is true?

• A. A BMI in the 30-34.9 kg/m2 range is protective
• B. BMI < 25 kg/m2 is protective
• C. BMI > 40 kg/m2 is protective
• D. BMI has no impact on outcomes

Answer: (A)

In dialysis care there’s an “obesity paradox”: higher BMI, up to a point, can be linked to better survival than a normal BMI. A BMI in the 30–34.9 kg/m2 range is often associated with improved outcomes in dialysis patients, likely reflecting greater nutritional reserves and protein stores that help withstand the catabolic stress of kidney failure and treatments. This makes that range the best choice among the statements. In contrast, a BMI below 25 can indicate malnutrition or frailty and is generally associated with worse outcomes. Very high BMI, such as over 40, may carry higher risks from comorbidities and technical or functional limitations, so it isn’t reliably protective. And BMI does influence outcomes; saying it has no impact isn’t accurate, though its effects differ from the general population.

In dialysis care there’s an “obesity paradox”: higher BMI, up to a point, can be linked to better survival than a normal BMI. A BMI in the 30–34.9 kg/m2 range is often associated with improved outcomes in dialysis patients, likely reflecting greater nutritional reserves and protein stores that help withstand the catabolic stress of kidney failure and treatments. This makes that range the best choice among the statements. In contrast, a BMI below 25 can indicate malnutrition or frailty and is generally associated with worse outcomes. Very high BMI, such as over 40, may carry higher risks from comorbidities and technical or functional limitations, so it isn’t reliably protective. And BMI does influence outcomes; saying it has no impact isn’t accurate, though its effects differ from the general population.