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Who is most at risk for kidney stones?
Kidney stones can affect almost anyone, but some people are more likely to develop them than others. They form when minerals and salts in the urine become concentrated and stick together. In the UK, this is a common condition, and the risk is higher in certain groups.
Knowing who is most at risk can help people take steps to lower their chances. Lifestyle, health conditions, family history, and even climate can all play a part. Some risk factors cannot be changed, but others can be managed.
People with a family history
If a close family member has had kidney stones, your own risk is higher. This may be due to inherited body chemistry, shared eating habits, or both. A family pattern can sometimes make stones more likely even in younger adults.
People who have had one kidney stone are also at greater risk of getting another. Once a stone has formed, the chance of recurrence goes up. That is why follow-up care and prevention advice are so important.
Men and adults in midlife
Kidney stones are more common in men than women, although the gap is smaller than it once was. They often appear in adults between the ages of 30 and 60. However, they can happen at any age, including in children.
Midlife risk may be linked to diet, weight changes, and long-term health conditions. As people age, their risk can also rise if they become less active or drink less fluid. These changes can make urine more concentrated.
People who do not drink enough fluid
Not drinking enough water is one of the biggest risk factors for kidney stones. When the body is short of fluid, urine becomes more concentrated and stones are more likely to form. This is especially important during hot weather or after exercise.
Some people are more likely to become dehydrated, such as those who work outdoors or forget to drink regularly. In the UK, a warm spell can increase risk if fluid intake does not rise with the temperature. Simple hydration can make a big difference.
Those with certain health conditions
Several medical conditions can raise the risk of kidney stones. These include gout, inflammatory bowel disease, recurrent urinary tract infections, and some metabolic disorders. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are also linked to a higher risk.
Some medicines may contribute as well, including certain diuretics and some treatments used for epilepsy or HIV. If you have a long-term condition, your GP may be able to suggest ways to lower your risk. This can include diet changes, medication review, or more fluids.
People with high-salt or high-protein diets
A diet high in salt can increase the amount of calcium in the urine, which may encourage stone formation. Very high intakes of animal protein can also raise risk in some people. Diets low in fruit and vegetables may add to the problem.
Processed foods, ready meals, and salty snacks can all increase salt intake. A balanced diet with plenty of fluid is often recommended. For people at higher risk, a GP or dietitian may give tailored advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
People with a personal history of kidney stones are at the highest risk of getting them again.
Yes. If close family members have had kidney stones, your risk is higher.
Men have traditionally had a higher risk, though kidney stones are increasingly common in women too.
Yes. People who do not drink enough fluids are at higher risk because urine becomes more concentrated.
Yes. Hot climates can increase sweating and dehydration, which raises kidney stone risk.
Yes. Obesity is linked to a higher risk of developing kidney stones.
Yes. Diets high in salt, animal protein, and oxalate-rich foods can increase risk in some people.
Not always. Very low calcium intake can sometimes increase the risk of certain kidney stones.
Yes. Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or chronic diarrhea can increase risk by affecting fluid and mineral balance.
Yes. Some weight-loss surgeries can increase the chance of kidney stones.
Yes. Gout and high uric acid levels can raise the risk of uric acid stones.
Yes. Certain recurrent infections can lead to infection-related kidney stones.
Yes. Structural problems in the urinary tract can make stone formation more likely.
Yes. Some medicines can raise the risk, including certain diuretics, antacids, and others.
Yes. Disorders such as hyperparathyroidism can increase the chance of kidney stones.
Yes. High sodium intake can increase calcium in the urine, raising stone risk.
People who are less active may have a somewhat higher risk, especially if inactivity contributes to other health issues.
Yes. Children can get kidney stones, especially if they have dehydration, diet issues, or certain medical conditions.
Yes. Risk can increase with age, especially when other health conditions are present.
Anyone with past stones, family history, dehydration, obesity, certain diets, digestive disorders, gout, or urinary tract problems should be especially careful.
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