Effects of a proposed physical activity and diet control to manage constipation in middle-aged obese women

Abstract

BackgroundObesity is very common worldwide and is related to critical morbidity and mortality. It has a large number of impacts on the human body. Constipation has a prevalence from 4% to 29% in various parts of the world and is considered to be a major health problem, with an estimated incidence of 5% in males and 15% in females. There is a strong association between obesity and constipation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of physical activity and a low-calorie diet on constipation in middle-aged obese women.MethodsThis study included 125 obese women (age 20–40 years) who had chronic constipation. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A included 62 women who received a suggested protocol of physical activity, a low-calorie diet, and the routine standard care for constipation, whereas Group B included 63 women who received only the standard medical care for constipation and a low-calorie diet. Both groups followed the program for 12 weeks. Changes in the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM) and Patient Assessment Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) scores, and in the body mass index (BMI) were recorded in study subjects, both at baseline and at the end of the study program.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in the baseline characteristics of patients in the two groups. After 12 weeks of intervention, both groups showed significant intra-group differences (p < 0.05) in all of the measured variables, except the BMI which showed a nonsignificant difference (p > 0.05) in Group B. Between-groups comparison showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in all of the measured parameters in favor of Group A.ConclusionPhysical activity and weight reduction improve PAC-SYM and PAC-QOL scores in middle-aged, premenopausal women with constipation in the short term (up to 12 weeks).

The Association Between Constipation or Stool Consistency and Pain Severity in Patients With Chronic Pain

“…The stool consistency and constipation may be affected by age, gender, and BMI ( 29 , 34 ), but CCCS had no correlation with these factors. Although the BSFS was correlated with age and BMI, the correlation coefficients were small (rs = -0.116, -0.174).…”

“…The constipation was associated with insufficient physical activity and excessive sedentary behavior. The mild to moderate physical activity showed positive effects on constipation ( 28 , 29 ). Also, it is well known that inactivity is a risk factor for development of chronic pain ( 30 ).…”

Mechanisms, Evaluation, and Management of Chronic Constipation

“…108 Although exercise is generally beneficial, its effects on constipation are unclear. 109,110 Taking advantage of the gastrocolic reflex, bathroom time should be scheduled after meals. There is no evidence that drinking more water is beneficial for constipation.…”

Polyglycolic acid sutures embedded in abdominal acupoints for treatment of simple obesity in adults: a randomized control trial

“…Diet plans were individualized and energy-matched according to participators’ basal metabolic rate [18]. The low-calorie diet allowed 1000–1200 kcal/day, including 50–60% carbohydrates, 20% protein, < 30% total fat, and 18 g of fiber/1000 kcal [19]. The diet protocol was maintained to ensure planned isocaloric control between diets in the whole process of study.…”