Challenges for preventing the metabolic syndrome in kidney transplant recipients, initial report: survey of the current state of affairs before acting.

OBJECTIVE: To prevent the metabolic syndrome preventive in kidney transplant recipients, we measured changes in body composition parameters using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and measuring renal function, blood tests, quality of life, and consciousness of life improvement. The usefulness of BIA was investigated. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Out of all kidney transplant recipients being treated at an outpatient clinic, 20 (13 males and 7 females) gained ≥ 5 kg after transplantation. We investigated changes after 6 months of physical activity versus initiation. RESULTS: After the initiation of body composition parameters using BIA, consciousness of life improvement changed, and measured body composition values and blood data did not worsen. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures tended to decrease after initiation. CONCLUSIONS: Detailed visualization of body composition in addition to the body weight and body mass index, as well as guidance based on the results promoted changes in consciousness, enhanced self-efficacy, and increased motivation for the prevention of the metabolic syndrome, suggesting that BIA is a useful tool in the management of weight gain after kidney transplantation.