How does obesity affect urinary incontinence?

How does obesity affect urinary incontinence?

• A. Obesity reduces bladder capacity.
• B. Obesity eliminates stress incontinence.
• C. Obesity increases intraabdominal pressure, worsening stress incontinence; weight loss can improve symptoms.
• D. Obesity has no effect on urinary incontinence.

Answer: (C)

Excess body weight places more pressure on the abdomen, raising the baseline intraabdominal pressure. When you cough, sneeze, or strain, that pressure is transmitted to the bladder and urethra. If the pelvic floor and urethral sphincter aren’t able to counteract this increased pressure, urine leaks out—stress urinary incontinence. Reducing weight lowers this baseline pressure, lessening the stress on the pelvic floor and often improving or eliminating leakage during activities. The issue isn't bladder capacity; obesity worsens stress incontinence rather than eliminating it.

Excess body weight places more pressure on the abdomen, raising the baseline intraabdominal pressure. When you cough, sneeze, or strain, that pressure is transmitted to the bladder and urethra. If the pelvic floor and urethral sphincter aren’t able to counteract this increased pressure, urine leaks out—stress urinary incontinence. Reducing weight lowers this baseline pressure, lessening the stress on the pelvic floor and often improving or eliminating leakage during activities. The issue isn't bladder capacity; obesity worsens stress incontinence rather than eliminating it.