Obesity has long been accepted by medical experts as a leading risk factor of numerous diseases ranging from diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, joint disorders, and even for the very common urinary incontinence. Various studies from different countries, in the case of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), have shown that a reduction of excess weight, even as low as five percent, may produce significant improvements in the patient’s condition.

Doctors generally advise women suffering from SUI or any other pelvic floor disorder who may also be classified as overweight or obese to cut down on excess weight as the first line of treatment. The usual approach to achieving this is through the combination of a proper diet and engaging in exercises.

Achieving the goal of weight reduction may be difficult in some instances or the patient may be constrained by serious medical conditions. This has prompted patients to seek other alternatives which include bariatic surgery or commonly called weight loss surgery. There is still much debate on whether this procedure would be ideal for urinary incontinence although this option has been proven to be successful in addressing certain conditions.

As a choice in managing urinary problems, results of a study conducted not too long ago would indicate that weight loss surgery might be very viable. Obese women suffering from urinary incontinence were reported to have experienced significant improvement and even resolution of their conditions after undergoing bariatic surgery.

A group of doctors connected with the Weight Management and Metabolic Health Center of the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida conducted this clinical research. A total of 201 patients who were planning to undergo weight loss surgery were initially considered by the researchers. From this number, it was determined after evaluation that there were 62 patients from both sexes who were suffering from urinary incontinence. The number of participants of the study was further narrowed down to 44 women who had an average age of 49 years and a body mass index (BMI) of 48.7 kg/m2 classifying them as obese.

Four months after surgery, it was revealed during follow up that 95 percent of the participants subjectively reported improvement or resolution of their urinary incontinence. Using predetermined measures in the assessment, the researchers formally concluded that 82 percent of the patients experienced resolution or improvement after weight loss surgery which corroborates the earlier feedbacks of the patients.

To women who may be considered obese and at the same time suffering from SUI, the results of this study are very encouraging. It was even suggested by the researchers that surgically induced weight loss may negate the need for surgical procedures such as the vaginal mesh surgery. This will certainly benefit patients since they may be spared of the risks associated with these devices which have allegedly caused serious injuries to women. Legal actions such as the vaginal mesh lawsuits have resulted from these injuries. You may visit vaginalmeshlawsuitscenter.com for more information.

References:

zbmi.com/Journal

nlm.nih.gov