This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the relationship between body fat percentage (BFP) and the severity of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in a sample of 206 overweight university women, aged around 30. Body composition, including BFP and visceral fat area, was analyzed, and OAB symptoms were assessed using an OAB questionnaire, a voiding diary, and a quality-of-life scale. Participants were divided into two groups: those with BFP above 32% and those with BFP below 32%. The group with higher BFP had significantly more frequent voiding during both day and night and reported worse quality of life scores compared to those with lower BFP.

Results showed that women with BFP above 32% had significantly worse OAB symptoms and were 95% more likely to develop OAB compared to women with lower BFP. The severity of urgency symptoms also positively correlated with BFP. These findings suggest that higher body fat percentage is associated with an increased risk and severity of OAB symptoms, emphasizing the importance of addressing body fat as part of OAB management.

Reference: Hagovska M, Švihra J, Buková A, et al. The Relationship between Overweight and Overactive Bladder Symptoms. Obes Facts. 2020;13(3):297-306. doi: 10.1159/000506486.