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The relationship between BMI and urinary incontinence subgroups: results from EpiLUTS
Vik Khullar1, Chris C Sexton, Christine L Thompson
1Department of Urogynaecology, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom.
Neurourology and Urodynamics
|June 20, 2013
Summary
Higher body mass index (BMI) is linked to increased urinary incontinence (UI) risk, with obesity significantly associated with UI in women and certain subtypes in men. Gender and UI type influence this relationship, suggesting varied underlying mechanisms beyond mechanical stress.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Urinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent condition affecting adults, with body mass index (BMI) recognized as a potential contributing factor.
- Understanding the specific relationship between BMI and different UI subtypes is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and various types of urinary incontinence (UI) in adults aged 40 and above.
- To explore potential gender-specific differences in the relationship between BMI and UI subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of the cross-sectional, internet-based EpiLUTS survey data from the United States, United Kingdom, and Sweden.
- UI was categorized using the LUTS Tool, including urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI).
- Logistic regression models were employed to assess the relationship between BMI categories (normal, overweight, obese) and UI subtypes, controlling for demographic and comorbid factors.
Main Results:
- Obesity (BMI ≥30) was significantly associated with overall UI and MUI in women, and UUI and UUI+OI in men.
- Overweight women (BMI 25-29.9) had higher odds of UI, particularly SUI and MUI, while overweight men showed no significant association with UI.
- Obesity increased the likelihood of SUI and SUI+OI in women, highlighting gender-specific impacts of excess weight on UI.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms a positive association between higher BMI and an increased risk of urinary incontinence.
- Significant gender differences exist in the relationship between BMI and UI subtypes, suggesting that mechanisms beyond simple mechanical pressure are involved.
- These findings underscore the importance of considering both BMI and gender when evaluating and managing urinary incontinence.
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