By Lisa Rapaport (Reuters Health) – Obese people have an increased risk of kidney disease even when they don’t have health problems like high blood pressure or elevated blood sugar that can impair renal function, a large Korean study suggests. In otherwise healthy individuals, obesity was linked to 6.7 more cases of kidney disease for every 1,000 people over five years than occurred among normal-weight patients. The findings contradict some previous research that has found people with what’s known as “metabolically healthy obesity” may not face an increased risk of kidney problems, cardiovascular disease or other issues linked to excess weight, said lead study author Dr. Yoosoo Chang of Kangbuk Samsung Hospital Total Healthcare Center in Seoul.