The relationship between increased regional body fat and overactive bladder: a population-based study

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Endocrinology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The relationship between regional body fat distribution and overactive bladder (OAB) has been previously uncertain.
• Epidemiological research has yielded inconsistent findings regarding body fat distribution and OAB prevalence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between increased regional body fat and the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB).
• To assess the correlation between fat mass index (FMI) in different body regions and OAB occurrence.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 8,084 adults from NHANES surveys (2011-2018).
• Overactive bladder symptoms assessed using the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS).
• Regional fat mass (FM) and fat mass index (FMI) quantified using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; logistic regression used to determine associations.

Main Results:

• Significant associations found between total FMI, limb FMI, trunk FMI, and arm FMI with OAB.
• Higher total FMI (OR=1.07) and trunk FMI (OR=1.12) were linked to increased OAB risk.
• Arm FMI (OR=1.59) and leg FMI (OR=1.12) also showed significant correlations with OAB incidence.

Conclusions:

• Higher regional fat mass index (FMI) is correlated with an increased risk of overactive bladder (OAB).
• These findings suggest a link between body fat distribution and OAB across diverse populations.