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The incidence of kidney problems is increasing among young adults in Malaysia, with lifestyle factors, poor diet and lack of exercise being major contributors. The worrying thing is that some people are facing serious kidney problems since the age of 40.
A cross-sectional study published in April 2025 in the journal Environmental-Behavioral Proceedings assessed public awareness of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among 1,391 adults in two Malaysian states and found that overall knowledge is low despite the high prevalence of CKD in the country.
Body transformation coach and fitness trainer, Milo Yap, in his December 4 Instagram post explained why this trend is affecting the younger population and what can be done to protect kidney health. (Also read: Milind Soman does pull-ups, runs outside even in cold weather of -2°C, gives big fitness inspiration to fans at the age of 60 ,
“Three times a week. Four hours each time. For the rest of his life. It’s dialysis,” warns Milo Yap, highlighting the harsh reality faced by many young Malaysians. “He’s 40. His kidneys have failed. ‘But he’s too young,’ everyone said. Kidney disease doesn’t care about age anymore.”
Yap explains that lifestyle factors, untreated conditions and certain habits are contributing to the increase in kidney failure in young adults. Here’s what he points out:
1. Uncontrolled diabetes
“High blood sugar directly damages your kidneys,” says Milo. “Many people are pre-diabetic for years without knowing it, then diabetic, and by the time symptoms appear, their kidneys are 80 percent destroyed. Diabetes is the number one cause of kidney failure.”
2. High blood pressure
“You can feel fine and never check your blood pressure again,” he adds. “But high blood pressure damages the small blood vessels in your kidneys until they stop working.”
3. Excessive use of painkillers
“Many people take NSAIDs like Panadol or ibuprofen for headaches, body aches or even hangovers, thinking it is harmless,” warns Yap. “Over time, these destroy your kidneys.”
4. Energy drinks and irregular supplements
“Pre-workout mixes, energy drinks and health supplements often contain ingredients that harm your kidneys,” he adds. “You may think you’re getting healthy, but you’re poisoning yourself.”
5. Dehydration and high protein diet
“Giving up plain water while relying on coffee, tea or a high-protein diet puts a strain on the kidneys,” Milo explains. “This can lead to stones, damage and ultimately failure.”
warning signs
Yap lists key signs that kidney function is declining:
- Foamy urine (protein leakage)
- swollen feet or ankles
- constant tiredness
- loss of appetite or nausea
- frequent urination at night
“If you notice two or more of these symptoms, get your kidney function tested immediately,” he advises.
“Kidney failure means dialysis three times a week, or a transplant if you’re lucky,” Milo says. “It comes with lifelong medication, huge costs and a short lifespan and most cases are preventable.”
what can you do
Milo recommends:
- Routine kidney function tests (creatinine, eGFR, urine protein)
- controlling blood sugar and blood pressure
- Avoid taking regular painkillers
- Drink 2-3 liters of plain water daily
- Stay away from unregulated supplements
“Your kidneys filter 200 liters of blood every day,” he concluded. “When they fail, your body makes its own poison. Don’t let it get to that point.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
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