Can weight loss improve urinary incontinence?

This study examines if weight loss and exercise can reduce lower urinary tract dysfunction in overweight/obese type 2 diabetics. 

Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are both associated with an increased risk of lower urinary tract dysfunction. This includes nocturia (urinating at least 2 times during the night), daytime urinary voiding (urinating at least 8 times a day) and urinary incontinence (leaking urine or wetting oneself). Lifestyle interventions, such as weight loss, can reduce urinary problems in female patients. It is unclear whether these interventions are as effective in males.

The current study examined the role of weight loss and exercise in reducing lower urinary tract dysfunction in men with T2D. This study included 1,910 male T2D patients. All patients were either overweight or obese, with an average body mass index (a measure of body fat that takes height and weight into account) of 35.2 kg/m2 (obese).

Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) group took part in weight loss meetings every 3 to 4 weeks for 1 year, were given help with their diet, and were encouraged to increase their exercise. Patients in the diabetes support and educational (DSE) group attended 3 group sessions in a year. These sessions provided basic information about changing diet and exercise. Participants filled out 2 questionnaires about lower urinary tract dysfunction before starting their treatment program and after 1 year.

After 1 year, the ILI group lost significantly more weight (9.4%) compared to the DSE group (0.7%).

The chances of having urinary incontinence (UI) after one year was reduced by 38% in the ILI group compared to the DSE group.

UI resolved in 56% of men in the ILI group and 40.7% of the DSE group after 1 year. UI was 93% more likely to resolve in men in the ILI group than in the DSE group. They were also less likely to develop UI during the study, when compared with those in the DSE group, but these results were not significant.

No differences were seen in the number of people who had nocturia or daytime voiding in either group at the end of 1 year.   

This study concluded that weight loss and exercise may help resolve UI and can decrease the chance of it developing in men with T2D.

This study involved a self-reported questionnaire, this may often lead to incorrect reporting or people may lie. 

If you are worried about urinary symptoms talk to your physician, losing weight may help.