Calciphylaxis is characterized by calcification in the medium and small vessel 
arterioles and can be a life-threatening complication often associated with 
chronic kidney disease (CKD). A review of the literature was conducted to 
explore existing evidence about the relationship between obesity and 
calciphylaxis. A total of 54 publications (published between 1962 and 2015) were 
identified. Most studies noted a variety of risk factors for calciphylaxis, 
including CKD, female gender, Caucasian race, liver disease, and lower serum 
albumin. Obesity was identified as a risk factor in 6 of the 8 studies reviewed. 
In one study, obesity was found to increase the risk of calciphylaxis 4-fold. 
The majority of calciphylaxis lesions in obese persons were proximal in 
distribution; all studies report proximal lesions are associated with a higher 
mortality rate than distal lesions. The mortality rate of persons with CKD and 
calciphylaxis is 8 times higher than that of persons with CKD without 
calciphylaxis. There is no definitive evidence to support the belief current 
epidemic rates of obesity, diabetes, (diabesity), and chronic renal disease will 
predispose more patients to the development of calciphylaxis. However, until 
more information from the calciphylaxis registries and other studies is 
available, clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion when a patient 
presents with indurated, painful nodules or necrotic ulcers, especially if the 
patient also has CKD.