If you are obese and also have kidney disease, you may be more likely than normal-weight kidney patients to have hyperparathyroidism, according to new U.S.-based research.

The condition apparently raise the risk of heart problems and death, which is quite a nice reason to try and achieve a normal weight if you're suffering from kidney disease -- and carrying a bunch of extra weight.

The most recent study showed that there was a significant correlation between obesity and hyperparathyroidism in the nearly 500 patients looked at in the study. Ever the better reason to see a nutritional specialist, fitness expert and your physician to begin a program of weight loss if you're considered obese (body-mass index of 30 or higher).