Weight Loss Reduces Incontinence for Women

January 29, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Starting a weight-loss regimen significantly reduces urinary incontinence for women, according to researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and the University of California, San Francisco.

A six-month program of diet, exercise and behavior modification resulted in a loss of 17 pounds and nearly one-half (47 percent) fewer incontinence episodes per week on average, the study authors said.

By contrast, an information-only program on diet and exercise without any direct weight-loss training led to a loss of 3 pounds and 28 percent fewer incontinence episodes per week on average, the researchers said.

The results are published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

"Earlier research has shown that behavioral weight-loss programs have many benefits, including decreasing blood pressure and helping to fight off diabetes. Here we've shown that weight loss has measureable impact on reduced incontinence," said Frank Franklin, M.D., Ph.D., a UAB professor in the School of Public Health and a co-author on the NEJM study.

BEHAVIOR CHANGE BOOSTS SATISFACTION

The NEJM results are from the Program to Reduce Incontinence by Diet and Exercise, or PRIDE study. It included 338 overweight and obese women (BMI 25-30 kg/m2) who experienced up to 10 episodes of incontinence per week.

Those on the diet, exercise and behavior modification program reported feeling significantly more satisfied with the improvements in incontinence compared to the information-only participants, Franklin said.

Urinary incontinence affects more than 13 million women in the United States and has been linked to increased risk of falls and bone fractures.

Considering the PRIDE results and other health benefits, the initiation of weight loss should be added as a first-line treatment in overweight and obese women, said lead study author Leslee Subak, M.D., of the University of California, San Francisco.

The study was a partnership with UAB, the University of California, San Francisco; Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. Funding is from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and the Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH), both part of the National Institutes of Health.

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

The Bathroom Key: Put an End to Incontinence
by Kathryn Kassai Physical Therapist (Author), Kim Perelli (Author)

Urinary incontinence is an underdiagnosed and underreported condition with major economic and psychosocial effects on society. Women are more likely to experience it due to issues with the pelvic floor brought on by pregnancy and menopause. The Bathroom Key is a treatment plan for women to cure their own incontinence issues. It also allows women to identify with other women through the anecdotal stories that echo their feelings of isolation and embarrassment. Written in easy-to-understand language, the book is a genuine teaching tool, guiding the reader to a better understanding of her body and effective remedies.

Whereas in recent years some mention of the Kegel muscles and exercises have become common knowledge, this book is much more than just Kegels. By incorporating key...

The Incontinence Solution: Answers for Women of All Ages
by William Parker (Author), Amy Rosenman (Author), Rachel Parker (Author)

Millions of women experience difficulties controlling their bladders but suffer in silence, reluctant to speak to their doctors -- or even to their best friends -- about the problem. Here, at last, women will find the most up-to-date medical explanations and state-of-the-art solutions, including: Controversial links between current childbirthing practices -- like episiotomy, the use of forceps, and long labor -- and the development of incontinence later in life. Advanced diagnostic tests that enable women to quickly find the most effective treatment. Nonsurgical treatments: pelvic muscle exercises and oral medications that really work. Surgical options featuring new minimally invasive outpatient procedures.

Managing and Treating Urinary Incontinence, Second Edition
by Diane Kaschak Newman (Author), Alan J. Wein (Author)

Incontinence is not an inevitable part of aging, nor is it untreatable once it develops. Thoroughly revised and updated, this new edition of a trusted resource teaches diverse and effective strategies for assessing, managing, and even eliminating urinary incontinence in all care settings.

Managing and Treating Urinary Incontinence presents a full range of treatment options, explaining how each method works and who benefits most from its use. In pragmatic, easy-to-understand language, readers will learn essential information about

the anatomy and physiology of the lower urinary tract and pelvic floor

the types and causes of incontinence and overactive bladder

the impact of bowel dysfunction on incontinence

the value of incontinence education and...

Urinary & Fecal Incontinence: Current Management Concepts, 3e (Urinary and Fecal Incontinence)
by Dorothy B. Doughty MN RN CWOCN FAAN (Author)

Completely updated to reflect current practice, the 3rd edition of this comprehensive resource provides a multi-disciplinary, in-depth review of the physiology of continence, the pathologic mechanisms producing incontinence, and current treatment options for the various types of incontinence. Assessment, behavioral therapies, and multidisciplinary care are emphasized as key elements in the treatment and management of incontinence. In addition to the life-span content discussed throughout the book, an entire chapter is devoted to bowel and bladder management in children.Authored and contributed by leaders in the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN).
Provides an in-depth review of the physiology of continence, the pathologic mechanisms producing incontinence, and current...

The Complete Guide to Adult Diapers

This concise, illustrated, and easy-to-understand guide explains the different types of incontinence protection (adult diapers) available on the market today. It it helps you evaluate the incontinence protection that is right for you and your lifestyle.

Incontinence protection is available in many styles and sizes. It can be confusing if you don't have the correct information when shopping.

This guide will answer many of your questions:

* Should you choose a brief or a pull up?

* How are pads and special underwear used?

* How much absorbency should you look for?

* What types of protection are the most discreet?

* What are the pros and cons of each type of incontinence protection?

* How can I...

Urinary Incontinence (Postgraduate Medicine)
by JTE Multimedia

Bladder control is a problem for more than 10 million Americans of all ages. In fact, at least one of every 25 Americans has some symptoms related to loss of bladder control. When left untreated, urinary incontinence can be debilitating and can lead to social isolation, psychological distress, skin problems, and even premature admission to a nursing home.

Original Publication Date: July 2000

Incontinence A Time to Heal with Yoga and Acupressure: A Six Week Exercise Program for People With Simple Stress Urinary Incontinence
by Dawn R. Mahowald (Author), Emmey A. Ripoll (Author)

About the Book "These exercises [for Simple Urinary Incontinence] really DO work! I use them regularly and I often remind my friends to do the same." Therese Sherry, Active Retiree, Arkansas Do you, like so many others, suffer from Simple Urinary Incontinence? Do you leak urine when you sneeze, cough, or run? Do you have trouble making it to the bathroom in time? Do you suffer from adult "diaper rash"? Do you have a disproportionate number of bladder or vaginal infections due to constant dampness from leaking urine? Are you embarrassed in public because you have wet spots or do you just avoid going out in public at all because of that odor that say you no longer have urinary control? Are you tired of paying such high prices for adult diapers, pads, and other incontinence products? Is your...

A Woman's Guide to Urinary Incontinence (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)
by Rene Genadry (Author), Jacek L. Mostwin (Author)

Urinary incontinence causes discomfort and distress for millions of women, particularly those who have borne children, are postmenopausal, or have passed the age of forty. This condition can have a severe negative impact on one's quality of life, and successful treatment, while possible, is complex. Cowritten by a gynecologist and a urologist who have helped thousands of frustrated women, this new guide gives patients the information they need to understand their condition and make the right treatment decisions.Dr. Rene Genadry and Dr. Jacek L. Mostwin explain how nerves, muscles, and other anatomical factors work in concert to control the bladder and how they can be affected by pregnancy, menopause, and aging. The authors discuss the common and uncommon causes of urinary incontinence,...

Therapeutic Management of Incontinence and Pelvic Pain: Pelvic Organ Disorders
by J. Haslam (Editor), J. Laycock (Editor)

This 2nd revised edition covers management and treatment of bladder and bowel dysfunctions in men and women, pelvic organ prolapse, issues concerning the elderly, neurologically impaired patients and those with pelvic pain. New chapters cover quality of life, treatment of bladder and bowel dysfunction in children, the history of pelvic floor muscle exercise and manual therapy. The use of real-time ultrasound to evaluate pelvic floor muscle contractility is discussed, and a new section covers ethical issues in the management of incontinence. This is a useful reference and practical guide for health professionals dealing with incontinence and pelvic floor disorders.

COMMON UROLOGIC PROBLEMS IN THE ELDERLY: Prostate cancer, outlet obstruction, and incontinence (Postgraduate Medicine)
by JTE Multimedia

The three most common and vexing clinical urologic problems in the elderly are prostate cancer and benign outlet obstruction in men and urinary incontinence in women. In this article, Dr Reznicek reviews these entities, with an emphasis on practical management. In addition, he discusses long-term use of catheters in the elderly and presents a pragmatic approach to preventing serious complications. Reznicek SB. Common urologic problems in the elderly: prostate cancer, outlet obstruction, and incontinence require special management.

Original Publication Date: January 2000