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. 2025 Apr 21;10(7):2153-2164.
doi: 10.1016/j.ekir.2025.04.021. eCollection 2025 Jul.

Low Energy Diets for Obesity and CKD (SLOW-CKD Randomized Feasibility Study)

Marguerite M Conley  1   2   3 , Hannah L Mayr  2   4   5 , Kirsten S Hepburn  6 , Justin J Holland  1 , David W Mudge  3   7   8 , Tammy J Tonges  9 , Richard S Modderman  10   11 , Sally A Gerzina  3 , David W Johnson  3   4   7 , Andrea K Viecelli  3   4   7 , Helen L MacLaughlin  1   5   12
Affiliations

Low Energy Diets for Obesity and CKD (SLOW-CKD Randomized Feasibility Study)

Marguerite M Conley et al. Kidney Int Rep. .

Abstract

Introduction: Low energy diets (LEDs) may slow disease progression; however, their effects are under researched in chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study evaluated the safety and feasibility of an LED weight management program in adults with obesity and CKD.

Methods: This multicenter 6-month randomized controlled trial (RCT) involved adults with CKD Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes stages G1 to G3b, obesity, and proteinuria, randomized 1:1 into 2 groups. The LED group followed a 3-month 800 to 900 kcal/d LED, with dietitian support, then a 3-month weight maintenance phase with exercise and healthy eating support. The usual care (UC) group received standard clinic weight loss support. Primary outcomes were safety (serious adverse events [SAEs]) and feasibility (≥2 of recruitment rate ≥ 25%, LED group retention rate ≥ 75%, and ≥ 30% of LED group achieving ≥ 10 kg weight loss at 3 months). Secondary outcomes included changes in anthropometry, clinical measures, patient-reported outcomes, and participant experiences.

Results: Forty-nine participants (median age 51 years, 57% male) consented. SAEs were low and comparable as follows: 2 in the LED group (hypoglycemia and acute kidney injury) and 2 in the UC group (hypoglycemia), all requiring hospitalization. Feasibility was met for recruitment (46%) and weight loss (46% achieved ≥ 10 kg loss) but not for retention (67% retained). At 6 months, median (IQR) weight change was -9.0 kg (-12 to -7) in the LED group and 0 kg (-4 to 2) in the UC group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: LEDs under professional guidance are safe and feasible for weight loss in adults with obesity and CKD Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes stages G1 to G3b. A definitive RCT to assess their effects on clinical outcomes and CKD progression is warranted.

Keywords: chronic kidney disease; low energy diet; meal replacement; obesity; weight loss; weight management.

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Figures

None
Graphical abstract
Figure 1
Figure 1
CONSORT diagram of the SLOW-CKD feasibility study in adults with obesity and chronic kidney disease.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Absolute weight loss achieved by adults with obesity and chronic kidney from the SLOW-CKD feasibility study at 3 months by weight loss category.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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