Which body region’s fat accumulation increase the risk of stress urinary incontinence?

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to examine the association between fat mass distribution and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) symptoms, as well as the impact of SUI on daily activities. We assessed sociodemographic characteristics, urinary symptoms, and fat mass (total, android, gynoid, and visceral adipose tissue [VAT]). Descriptive statistics, independent t tests, and univariable and multivariable regression analyses were conducted. Women with SUI exhibited significantly higher total, android, gynoid, and VAT fat mass than women without urinary incontinence (p < 0.05). Increases in total, android, gynoid, and VAT fat mass were associated with higher odds of SUI by 0.4%, 4.4%, 2.6%, and 31.4%, respectively. VAT fat mass was particularly influential, increasing the likelihood of SUI by 51% (odds ratio [OR] 1.51; 95% CI). Greater VAT accumulation was also associated with a 16.0% increase in discomfort related to urinary symptoms and a 9.3% increase in the impact on daily activities among women with SUI. In summary, higher adiposity in the android, gynoid, and especially VAT regions are associated with an increased likelihood of SUI and with greater symptom-related discomfort and functional impact.