The One-Kidney Bodybuilder
This is a guest post by Annamarya Scaccia, a writer, fitness expert, and kidney cancer survivor. Follow her on Instagram @stillwellfitness.
“In second place, number 87.”
I relax and sway to the front of the stage, the lights bright overhead. Feet planted, I move into my front pose and bend my head slightly, a medal placed around my neck.
It’s near the end of November, and we’re at the Natural Fit Federation’s Texas Classic, the last bodybuilding show of the season. I am competing for the first time on stage, as a Novice Figure athlete. My coach and I were aiming for first place but coming in second is still an impressive showing, I’d say.
With a roar of applause, I could hear people cheering my name. My coach, my boyfriend, my son, my close friends—there, in the audience, my circle of support. And it is in this moment, as I feel the energy around me, that I know I’ve found my true calling: to be the one-kidney bodybuilder.
Annamarya wins second place in the bodybuilding competition. 
Strong poses for the judges. 
Annamarya Scaccia soon after her nephrectomy (left) and 7 months later in May 2021.
If you’ve followed my story so far, you’d know that, as an athletic kidney cancer survivor, I am vocal about the lack of content and support for athletes who live in the grey areas of fitness and wellness. This gap is particularly pronounced in the nutritional space. If you can’t have copious amounts of protein or must abide by certain dietary limits—but aren’t required to follow a specialized diet—then you’re out of luck for advice or guidance. Most of us are left with one vague rule to follow: “Watch your salt and watch your protein.”
In bodybuilding, protein is the holy grail. Protein repairs and rebuilds muscles, aiding their growth. The more protein you could eat, the better for your physique. Or in other words: eat a lot of protein, get buff. Rinse, repeat.
I am a competitor at heart—and as a competitor, I cannot shy away from a challenge. For me, building a strong, sculpted body without the ability to eat all the egg whites and tofu in the world was the challenge ahead. And as a fitness professional, I wanted to prove that you don’t need to have two kidneys or eat copious amounts of protein to stand on stage with other bodybuilders. I have lived my life in service of shattering the status quo and competing as an adaptive, one-kidney bodybuilder was another way to fulfill this purpose.
I decided to compete in the NFF Texas Classic because I wanted to change what it means to be a bodybuilder in today’s world.
There were many times, during my six-month journey to the stage, when I thought I would quit, never to compete. After all, I have only one kidney, and with one kidney, this means my health concerns become magnified in a way unbeknownst to the average bodybuilder. Plus, I have very strong feelings about my stomach—how it looks and why it looks that way. The skin that hangs, the scars, the folds, the reality. My muscles will never be massive, and my body will never be smooth and taut.
These were truths I had to confront and accept on multiple occasions during training season (or “on prep,” in bodybuilder parlance). My confidence, it’s fair to say, had been shattered more than once.
But then, my coach, Shaylin, would remind me why I embarked on this process in the first place—the greater mission I had to fulfill. Competing in a bodybuilding show wasn’t just a bucket list item for me. Becoming a competitive bodybuilder is my way of changing the narrative—of carving out a space for other kidney cancer survivors who aspire to compete. After all, as a friend told me, I may have taken second place at the NFF Texas Classic this year, but my competitors could eat their bodyweight in protein and I, well, can’t. “You really won,” she said.
I built this body while eating far less protein a day than most bodybuilders do. I built this body while taking more rest days than most bodybuilders do. I built this body while deviating from the standard. So if you’re ever told you can’t build the body you want, let my body be proof that that’s not true.
I just had a nephrectomy in May 2021. Stage 3 grade 4. I have been literally scanning every inch of the internet to find a way to body build with one kidney. Reading your story has really put some steam in my drive. Do you have any nutritional recommendations or guidelines you can send my way?
I am glad my story can put some steam in your drive! And yes, I do. Please let me know if I can email you directly.
please i would love if you can email anthn to me i never been healthy eater except for 3 years of my life where i had to cause i was obliged by army training 7 years later after graduating i discovered i had one kidney i’m still in denial and eating 200 and more gram of protein daily and taking whey and aminoacid boost plus fish oil and magnesium so am i on my way to loose my only kidney? i am also looking to compete in like 2 years i have a training program for 2 years and im currently only eating meati eggs and fish so any advice would mean the world im 186 cm male 108kg currently around 28% percent body fat so ty alot and thank you for wining second place it gave me hope
I do CrossFit and i lost my kidney to cancer. I’m always told I won’t be able to build my muscles. I too would love your advice and information. Thank you.
I’m happy to help. Just followed you from my coaching account. Let’s chat!
Hi, my mom has CKD stage 4 and I have been highly considering being tested to see if I’m a match for her. I am only 25 years old and have consumed my life with strength training and macro tracking which consists of a fairly high protein intake. I was wondering if I would be able to chat with you about your journey with fitness and life in general.
Absolutely! I’ll send you an email directly. Thank you for reaching out.
My husband had a nephrectomy last year due to a tear in his ureter from a kidney stone and I am concerned with his diet considering he only has one kidney left. He is a meat and potatoes man so I have to cook his breakfast every morning, pack his lunch and snacks for work as well as cook him a healthy dinner so that he sticks to a healthy diet. If left to his own devices he would eat red meat every day, drink whey protein after working out along with creative for mass. He is a tank and works out every other day at the gym. To supplement his protein intake I make him a green smoothie with half a scoop of plant based protein for breakfast. I did my own research on his dietary restrictions until he can see a nephrologist next week for more information on dietary restrictions. Can you please share your thoughts on daily protein intake while living with one kidney? I admire your fortitude and pray for your health and success.
Thank you for sharing your story. I hope the visit with the nephrologist provides some clarity. I do think that protein intake should be reduced depending on how the remaining kidney functions. Protein’s impact on the kidneys is an interesting debate–there are studies that show an extreme excess of protein can harm kidneys that already have reduced function, but other studies show that protein’s impact is also vastly overestimated, and that the recommended amounts are vastly underestimated. Personally, I stay at the lower end of the recommended daily amount scale for people who work out heavily (which is around 0.8g – 1g per bodyweight pound), but you and your husband will have a better sense once you speak to your doctor. One important thing to bring up is the impact of muscle mass on kidney function numbers. let’s talk about that offline. Feel free to email me at [email protected].
Hello there! I have one kidney as well and trying to train. How can we get in contact? Are you able to email me as well?
My name is Tony Gall. my son was diagnosed with a Wilms tumor when he was five years old. He had the kidney taken out and chemotherapy. He is now almost 14 years old and is getting into lifting weights. He wants to take protein because everyone is doing it and people are telling him he won’t get any gains if he doesn’t. I could really use some help and more knowledge on the subject because there really isn’t a whole lot out there thank you so much in advance
Thanks for reaching out, Tony. I’m glad to know your son is healthy and doing well now. They’re right that he needs protein for gains; what they’re not right about is how much. The more protein, the better for muscle growth. But we do not need more than the RDA to build muscle. It will take him longer, and his muscles won’t get huge in the same amount of time as someone who could eat more than the RDA. But it can be done. The important thing is to talk to his doctor to get a sense of what they would recommend for his kidney function. I’d also say he needs to load up on carbs before any lift to give him that energy. I love to chat with you more about this; if you have Instagram, please send me a message at @stillwellfitness. I hope this helps!
Dear Ms. Scaccia:
This article is literally the only one that I can find for an athlete training with one kidney. Thank you for putting your story out there.
As I just turned 60, and wanting to get healthier to stave off the potential risks of getting Covid, I elected to start getting back into real shape almost two years ago. Since beginning my consistent workouts and diet, I dropped more than 5” in my waist, and only lost about 9 lbs on the scale. Body shape has changed and cost me a fortune in alterations and new clothes… nice problem to have.
I learned in the last 10 days that I have a tumor on one kidney… meeting with surgeon today and likely receiving a nephrectomy in the next couple of weeks. Your statement about the gap in nutritional space is true. I can’t locate any local sports nutritionist or dietician that can provide me any guidance. I would really like to know how to design a healthy eating program that will allow me to maintain my muscle mass when I won’t be able to consume at least 140 grams of protein/day. I am guessing the doctors will be telling me to keep it around 60 grams at most.
I don’t do instagram, so I can’t communicate with you on that platform… if there is anyone, any website, any source of information that I can lean on, it would be appreciated. I am in the Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ area… not sure if that is helpful.
Again, thank you for posting your story. It is inspiring.
Thanks for reaching out, Howard, and sharing your story. I’ll send you an email so we can communicate there.
I’m so glad I came across your story, it’s really inspiring! I’m likely going to have my right kidney removed this summer and have struggled to find guidelines for protein intake and exercise restrictions for my situation. I want to go through BLET next year which is very crossfit heavy (rhabdo is always in the back of my mind) and also wanted to build noticeable muscle. How long did it take for you to start seeing results with a restricted protein diet? And how much did you take? Any advice would be greatly appreciated and again, thank you for sharing your story and being an inspiration!
I’m humbled to know that you found my story inspiring! Thank you for engaging with me. I have lots of advice to share. Feel free to email me or message me on IG at @stillwellfitness so we can talk 1 on 1.
Apologies, I was having trouble finding your email, I’ll just list mine here: [email protected]
Annamarya, I cried while I read your story. I have been skinny my entire life. I haven’t done much about it because I have one kidney (I had kidney cancer when I was 23). I started a clean bulking journey 8 months ago, and I have seen some gains (have gone from 135 to 151 pounds). But my problem is that my annual bloodwork just came back, and my kidney function markers are elevated compared to before I started weightlifting. I’m left wondering how I can balance my kidney health with my desire to gain a few more pounds (my goal is 160). Any information would be greatly appreciated.
First of all, sending you big hugs right now. Secondly, the more muscle you put on, the more your levels will seem elevated, so blood draws can sometimes be deceiving. So, I’d say it’s important to do routine 24-hour urine tests to get a better sense of kidney health, and to find a nephrologist or urologist familiar with sports medicine and working with athletes. In regard to balancing your kidney health, I would suggest staying away from protein powders, protein-enhanced foods, and most supplements. These will make your kidney work much harder, even with increased water intake. I would suggest getting all of your protein naturally from whole foods and lean meats.
I do offer online coaching services, so if you’re looking for a trainer who has experience and knowledge with your concerns, let me know. Otherwise, I’m here to answer whatever questions you have.
Hello like others on here I too am looking to bulk up with only having one kidney as I gave one away I am finding it very difficult to gain back what I had I went from 200 to 167 in like a week or two after surgery
Any info would help
Thank you
Hi Kevin, thanks for engaging with my posts. I’d love to chat with you more about your situation. My general thoughts I’ve shared with others would apply, but we can talk specifically if you don’t mind I email you. Let me know!
I’m 22 was happy with my life but sudden got to that there is a tumor in my right kidney and I’m having 5th stage kidney failure. I operated with CKD now what are my chances to comeback strong with new transplant
I think you can come back strong, as long as you work with your doctor. Sending you positive vibes.
Aloha Annamariya,
I am 59 my son is 22. I gave him a kidney 16 yrs ago.
I have been on a health journey for yrs. Hate the labels so I am mostly WFPB w/ egg whites and tuna.
My son recently started working out but has NO place to find out what to eat to build his body w.o. as you put it; copious amounts of protein.
Do you have any words of wisdom and can you help steer him away from this insane (but effective for building) diet of steak, whey, and greens only?
I’m all for the greens and he cheats w/ Almond butter and celery as his snack.
Thank you for your inspiration.
Blessings to you,
Jodie Johns
Hi Jodie. Thank you for connecting with me. I share a lot of tips on my Instagram account, @stillwellfitness. But there are many ways for him to get the protein he needs without overworking his kidneys. Have him reach out to me, and I can have a chat with him.
Hello. I cannot find your IG. I donated my kidney last year to my dad and I am now afraid I cannot lose weight and be lean. What’s your new IG? I’d like to connect.
-Theresa
Hi Theresa, I’m off of Instagram right now, but you can reach out to me at [email protected] to chat. I can definitely help!
Thank you, for your article- you are so Inspiring. My son is starting to get into bodybuilding, but was told that he will
have to stop taking and eating all the protein that he is consuming, since he’s donating a kidney to his mom. Are you able to sent us information on the kind of food you were able to eat. Thank you! John
Thank you for your kind words! And absolutely! I’ve wrote about my nutrition/diet on my blog at https://www.stillwellfit.com/blog and shared info on my Instagram at Instagram.com/stillwellfitness. Those are the best places to find my personal story. But I’ll reach out privately too.
Very useful information, I believe lack of fluid consumption is the number one cause. sufficient amount of water daily can prevent stones and can ensure kidney health.
can i weight lifting with 1 kidney function im donor kidney us 2 years now
Yes! Let’s talk more. You can reach out to me via my site, stillwellfit.com. I’d love to hear your story.
WNBF pro figure here,
Just had my kidney removed February 14th. The military urologist told me I can never compete again. I’m struggling mentally and physically. They want me to reduce my protein intake and eat a close to vegan diet (they being my internal medicine doc) I read where you said that protein intake needed to be reduced. How do I build muscle if I can’t follow a protein rich diet to build and maintain muscle. Are there alternatives, like maybe plant protein which isn’t as great as whey but can Atleast suffice?
Jaque
Firstly, sending huge hugs. Secondly, there are so many ways to build muscle without having to eat a high-protein diet, and without having to go completely vegan. Also, they’re completely wrong about never competing again. I’d love to chat with you 1:1. I’ll find you on IG.
I would love to connect! I used to compete in obstacle course races but after donating my kidney last year I struggle with fatigue and making gains. I don’t have an instagram but can leave my email [email protected].
I donated a kidney to a friend with PKD 10 years ago. Last year I started lifting with my teen son. All I ever see or hear is I need protein to gsin mass but I was told to not est sny extra proteins because I only have 1 kidney. I’d love to hear more about your journey. It seems you may have the key i’m looking for.
Thanks for sharing and connecting! I have a lot of info on my website, stillwellfit.com, that can help get you started. You can also reach out to me via Instagram (@stillwellfitness), and we can chat 1:1.
I had a radical nephrectomy in December and only recently discovered it was a bad idea to overdo the protein. Still trying to figure out how to diet without overdoing the protein as I’m 6’2″, 77kg and consuming 180g-200g of protein a day on a keto diet. Guessing I need to get it down to around 120g of protein a day. Might have to ditch the keto due to the difficulty hitting my calorie goals with fat.
It all depends on your kidney health, actually. It’s good to be cognizant, but if you don’t have CKD or reduced kidney function, and you are heavily active, it won’t necessarily hurt you to eat 180g of protein a day. The current guidelines are based on sedentary adults, and do not take level of activity into account. Active people—even those with reduced kidney function—will still need to eat more protein than 60 grams a day.
I’ve written more on the topic here: https://www.stillwellfit.com/post/what-s-the-deal-with-protein-guidelines-and-kidney-function
You won’t necessarily have to give up the keto diet to hit your calorie goals. You can make up the amount loss by increasing your fats. 60 g of protein is roughly 240 calories. You can add about 27 g of fat to make that up. Or you can add 20 g of fat and 15 g of carbs. You can hit both by eating a handful of almonds.
Lots of things to consider! Feel free to send me a message via my website if you want to chat more!
Thank you Anna. I hit my 1 yr milestone yesterday, 7 August 2022 I was 105.8kg….today I am 77kg – just from cleaning up my diet and moving around more. But I want that physique.
Got a bit of a fright when my creatinine levels in a recent blood test were above normal last week. Going to sit down and play with some numbers tonight to see how I can rejig the diet, really don’t want to go backwards.
You can see how far I’ve come here:
https://instagram.com/nuts_and_bolts_and_swears
Completely understand!
Re: creatinine, I wrote a blog post about that too 😉 Blood tests are a snapshot in time, so a creatinine spike could be due to dehydration, exercise, certain foods and medications. Always smart to be smart about your diet, but with creatinine, definitely consider the pattern over time.
If you have any questions, reach out!!
Thank you so much for Annamarya for putting your story out there and well done for your competition success.
Having one kidney following cancer I have begun to lose hope of ever achieving my muscle building goals and will look with interest at your website. I would so like to break through this for myself and then be able to help others in this situation.
I have taken the liberty of emailing you (I hope you dont mind) and would love to hear back from you
Jeremy (UK)
So appreciate you researching and writing about this!
I lost a kidney to cancer last year and now discover my remaining one has a borderline function.
I have been training hard to build muscle aiming for 160g of protein per day. The doctor told me to come off keto and having dropped the Creatine and all other supplements I have wondered if I will ever be able to attain my goals.
If you are able to give me some tips I would be so grateful.
I’ve just started on my fitness journey. I hate my post cancer body, especially my stomach and the overhang where my scar is. I’m strugling to know what to eat, as you’re not supposed to eat loads of protein but I’m told I need to! I’m only just starting to do weights for the first time in my life, I don’t think I willl be lifting that much, but I want a healthy body that won’t let me down.
Firstly, sending you hugs. Survivorship is challenging, especially when we have to reconnect and learn to love our bodies differently. Give yourself grace; it’s not an easy journey.
Secondly, that’s the thing — you do not need to eat lots of protein! Nor do you have to eat only a little. Most coaches *and* doctors are wrong about kidneys and protein intake. I write a lot about this on my website, Stillwellfit.com. Here’s a helpful place to start: https://www.stillwellfit.com/post/what-s-the-deal-with-protein-guidelines-and-kidney-function
I have only one kidney( donated kidney to my father) and would love to know how you build muscle. Feel free to email me.
Absolutely! Will send an email now.
Great story. I just had my kidney removed. And I really am looking for how much protein is safe each day and how to put on more muscle without a lot of protein. Have you found anything new guidelines wise of what we can do?
Thank you for commenting! I hope you are healing well.
Unfortunately, no guidelines exist specific to active people with one kidney. Current guidelines are based on studies with sedentary people who have two kidneys. But I have done a lot of research and posted blogs on this very topic, which you could read here: https://www.stillwellfit.com/blog
You can start here: https://www.stillwellfit.com/post/building-muscle-with-one-kidney-pro-tips-for-protein-and-gains
I had stage 1 kidney cancer kidney was removed in May I am lifting weights am 62 230 lbs mostly muscle kidney is functioning well creatine levels are normal how much protein can have
It depends on your activity level and what your doctor feels is appropriate. But general rule is 0.8 g – 1 g per kg bw. Reach out to me directly so we can chat more!
Sorry I don’t know how to contact you directly I am concerned about this low protein diet with one kidney as the chances of muscle loss are much greater as you age, there is also research by dt stuat philips mcmaster university canada meta analysis that high protein diets don’t effect the kidneys not sure about one kidney I want more muscle and I think that the guidlines for one kidney might be wrong
No worries. I would love to see that study, if you could forward the link. I will send you an email directly.
Sorry I don’t know how to forward the link Lol but if you google dr stuart phillips myth high protein diet does not effect the kidneys you could e-mail me
Hi
I’m age 64 and live in Britain.
I’ve had my kidney function monitored since early 20’s and it’s been slowly declining. I’m now Stage 5, soon to start PD dialysis. I’ve always watched my weight but have a BMI of 28.5.
I’d welcome any advice as I’m about to have a complete knee replacement, due to
Osteoarthritis which has come on in the last 4 years, curtailing my ability to exercise, thus my BMI increased. Once I get the knee replacement, I hope to get leg strength back, but the CKD limitations on what I can eat may be the biggest obstacle.