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Moderate weight loss in obese women with urinary incontinence: a prospective longitudinal study

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Abstract

This study assessed the effect of moderate weight loss in obese women with urodynamically proven urinary incontinence using the International Consultation on Incontinence recommended outcome measures. Sixty-four incontinent women were offered a weight reduction programme with a target loss of 5–10%. This included a low-calorie diet and exercise. An anti-obesity drug (Orlistat) was offered to those who failed to achieve their target. Forty-two (65%) achieved the target weight loss and had significant reduction in body mass index and girth. Weight loss was associated with significant reduction in pad test loss (median difference, 19 g; 95% confidence interval, 13–28 g; p < 0.001). There was also a clinical and statistically significant improvement in quality of life measures. These results suggest that weight reduction of 5% of initial body weight can improve urinary incontinence severity and its effects on quality of life in obese women.

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Abbreviations

UI:

urinary incontinence

BMI:

body mass index

QoL:

quality of life

LCD:

low calorie diet

KHQ:

Kings Health Questionnaire

FVC:

frequency volume chart

BIA:

bioelectric impedance analysis

USI:

urodynamic stress incontinence

DOI:

detrusor overactivity incontinence

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Urogynaecology Unit level 7, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 8DH, UK

    Wael Auwad, Pippin Steggles, Luigi Bombieri, Malcolm Waterfield & Robert Freeman

  2. Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peninsula Medical School, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 8DH, UK

    Terrance Wilkin

Authors
  1. Wael Auwad
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  2. Pippin Steggles
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  3. Luigi Bombieri
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  4. Malcolm Waterfield
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  5. Terrance Wilkin
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  6. Robert Freeman
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Correspondence to Wael Auwad.

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Auwad, W., Steggles, P., Bombieri, L. et al. Moderate weight loss in obese women with urinary incontinence: a prospective longitudinal study. Int Urogynecol J 19, 1251–1259 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-008-0616-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-008-0616-9

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