Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits: Examples include not getting enough physical activity, smoking, eating a diet high in sodium, added sugars, and unhealthy fats, and not getting enough quality sleep.
Body Fat Distribution: Carrying excess weight around the belly is an independent risk factor—specifically, a waist circumference of 35 inches (90 cm) or more for men, or 31.5 inches (80 cm) or more for women.
Air Pollution: A 2025 study involving more than 4,000 participants found that air pollution, especially exposure to multiple pollutants at once, was a significant factor in CKM risk and progression.
Toxin Exposure: Cadmium, commonly used in rechargeable batteries, metal alloys, electroplating, solar panels, plastic stabilizers, and pigments for paints, plastics, and other products, can damage blood vessels and kidneys, increase inflammation, and worsen CKM syndrome. Lead raises blood pressure, damages blood vessels and kidneys, and it also increases mortality risk in people with CKM syndrome. Long-term exposure to arsenic can damage blood vessels, increase inflammation, and promote diabetes.
Family History: A family history of diabetes or kidney failure can raise your own risk of blood sugar, kidney, and cardiovascular problems.
Race and Ethnicity: Advanced CKM syndrome is more common among black adults (18.9 percent) than Hispanic adults (14.7 percent), white adults (13.8 percent), or Asian adults (11.4 percent) in the United States.
Social Risk Factors: A May study involving more than 28,000 people found that financial instability, unfavorable neighborhood conditions, limited educational opportunities, and weaker social and community support all increased the risk of CKM.

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