Can My Weight Disqualify Me as a Kidney Donor?
If you’re considering donating a kidney, you may be wondering whether it’s possible to be disqualified due to your weight.
While it’s true that weight—or more specifically, body mass index (BMI)—is a factor in determining your suitability as a donor, it’s important to know why weight matters in kidney donation, how it is assessed as part of the donor screening process, and what your options are if you are rejected as a donor due to weight.
What Is BMI?
BMI is a simple calculation based on your height and weight. It’s used to categorize weight ranges:
- 18.5–24.9: Normal
- 25–29.9: Overweight
- 30–34.9: Class 1 Obesity
- 35–39.9: Class 2 Obesity
- 40 and above: Class 3 Obesity (also called severe or morbid obesity)
If you’re not sure what your BMI is, use this easy BMI Calculator to find out.
Why Weight/BMI is Considered in Living Kidney Donation
There are no universal weight limits for donation, but most transplant centers have guidelines, and BMI is a factor commonly used during the donor screening process.
Why? Because higher BMI is associated with:
- Increased risks during and after surgery (e.g., complications with anesthesia, wound healing)
- Greater chances of developing chronic conditions later in life like high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes, especially with only one kidney
In general, a BMI over 35 often causes potential donors to be disqualified due to elevated surgical and long-term health risks. A BMI between 30 and 35 may not automatically disqualify you, but you may be required to lose weight before moving forward with donation.
What to Do if You’ve Been Disqualified as a Kidney Donor Because of Your Weight
If your BMI has disqualified you from becoming a donor, there’s good news—if you’re committed to becoming a living kidney donor, you have several options.
- Lose weight independently: Many people opt to lose weight on their own through diet and exercise. Be sure to consult your doctor before you begin any weight-loss program.
- Ask your transplant about support programs: Some transplant centers offer weight-loss programs for potential living donors. If you have been working with a center, ask them about their specific guidelines for BMI and kidney donation and see whether they have any programs that can help you lose weight to qualify.
- Join Project Donor: Project Donor is a free support program for individuals who have been disqualified from organ donation due to high BMI or smoking and want to try to become eligible. Learn more.
If you are interested in becoming a living donor but have not registered yet because you think your weight may disqualify you, the best approach is to complete the National Kidney Registry’s online donor screening and let the transplant team decide.
Even if you are disqualified, remember that disqualification today doesn’t mean disqualification forever. With the right tools, support, and determination, you can become eligible and continue with your donation journey.