The invention provides methods and compositions for treating a subject having a renal- related disorder, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), end stage renal failure, diabetes, insulin resistance, kidney hypertrophy, kidney hypotrophy, polycystic kidney disease, proteinuria, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, gout, kidney stones, hypertension or hypertensive nephropathy, dyslipidemia, anemia and/or reduced erythropoietin production, iron deficiency or hyperfiltration. The methods and compositions use or contain a composition that reduces or inhibits GDF15 activity.