Body weight through adult life and risk of urinary incontinence in middle-aged women: results from a British prospective cohort

Abstract

Objectives: To determine whether the onset and duration of being overweight or obese are associated with symptoms of urinary incontinence. Design: Nationally representative cohort study. Subjects: A total of 1201 women followed-up since their birth in 1946 and annually from 48 to 54 years. Measurements: The body mass index (BMI) at the age of 20, 26, 36 and 43, and symptoms of stress, urge and severe incontinence at seven consecutive years from age 48 to 54. Results: In each year from age 48 to 54, almost half (46-49%) reported symptoms of stress incontinence, urge incontinence rose from 22 to 25% and severe incontinence from 8 to 11%. At the age of 20, 26, 36 and 43, BMI was positively associated with stress symptoms and severe incontinence in midlife. BMI transition was found to have accumulation effects on symptoms of severe incontinence; women who were overweight/obese since age 20 years were more likely to report severe incontinence than women whose BMI remained below 25 kg/m 2 (odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 2.30 (1.36-3.93)) or who became overweight or obese at 43 years (1.85 (0.97-3.51)). These relationships existed beyond the effects of aging, childhood enuresis, kidney infection, childbirth characteristics, menopause, educational attainment, general practitioner consultations and smoking status. BMI was not associated with symptoms of urge incontinence. Conclusions: Across adult life, higher BMI for women was linked with subsequent symptoms of stress and severe incontinence in midlife; those who were overweight or obese since early in adult life more than doubled their risk of severe incontinence. Women, and especially young women, should be encouraged to keep their weight in a normal range throughout adult life.

Alcohol, tobacco, and mammographic density: a population-based study

“…However, the semiquantitative FFQ was adapted from Willett et al (37) for the Spanish population, and has demonstrated reasonable levels of reliability and validity in other studies (25). Further, we found that the association of MD with general reproductive variables such as age at first birth, number of live births, age at menarche and menopause (2,3), etc, as well as osteoporosis (38), level of physical activity (39,40) or daily caloric intake (41) were consistent with what is known about MD. These observed findings provide additional support for the validity of the questionnaire that was used in this study.…”

Prevalence and Related Factors of Urinary Incontinence among Hebei Women of China

“…A nationally representative cohort study carried out in 1,201 British women demonstrated that in adult life a higher body mass index for women was linked with subsequent symptoms of stress and severe incontinence at midlife. Women, and especially young women, should be encouraged to keep their weight within a normal range throughout adult life [12]. One year after surgically induced weight loss, significant improvements in lower urinary tract function were demonstrated, so weight reduction is desirable for obese women complaining of UI and may obviate the need for further incontinence therapy [13].…”

Body mass index, urinary incontinence, and female sexual dysfunction

“…SUI turned out to be the UI type most closely associated with BMI. 12 UI is common with age, and it is very prevalent in postmenopausal women; leaking urine and weight gain, induced by a redistribution of fat mass with the development of abdominal obesity, are among the most distressing menopause-related symptoms, even though the relationship between UI and menopause is not completely clear. Furthermore, in obese women, female UI deeply affects sexual function, as demonstrated by significantly decreased satisfaction with their sexual life, more frequent symptoms of UI, fear of urine leakage during intercourse, higher tendency toward avoiding intercourse, and more frequent feelings of guilt and disgust during intercourse.…”