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Weight loss improves fecal incontinence severity in overweight and obese women with urinary incontinence

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Abstract

Introduction/hypothesis

To estimate the effect of weight loss on fecal incontinence (FI) severity among overweight and obese women with urinary incontinence, we analyzed data from women randomized to a weight loss intervention or control condition.

Methods

The modified Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI) was administered at 6, 12, and 18 months in 338 women. Repeated measures analyses identified factors associated with improved FISI scores among women with baseline scores >0.

Results

FISI scores improved in 45 (13%) across all time points among the 291 women (87%) completing the trial. Improved scores were associated with a one-point lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) score, p < 0.01. Improved liquid stool FI frequency was associated with ≥5 kg weight loss (p = 0.001), 10-g increase in fiber intake (p = 0.05), and decreased LUTS (p = 0.003).

Conclusions

FI severity improved with weight loss. Women with liquid stool FI losing at least 5 kg and/or increased dietary fiber intake had improved FI frequency.

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Funding support

This study was supported by grant numbers U01DK067860, U01 DK067861, and U01 DK067862 from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Funding was also provided by the Office of Research on Women’s Health. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases or the National Institutes of Health.

Conflicts of interest

Markland AD, Myers DL, Hernandez AL, Burgio KL (Pfizer, Astellas, Johnson & Johnson, consultant) have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose. Richter HE, a Pfizer investigator, was initiated a grant funding (Xanodyne consultant). Subak LL received Pfizer grant/research support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, BVAMC, GRECC 11-G, Room 8220, 700 South 19th Street, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA

    Alayne D. Markland & Kathryn L. Burgio

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Women’s Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA

    Holly E. Richter

  3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA

    Deborah L. Myers

  4. Departments of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Alexandra L. Hernandez

  5. Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Epidemiology & Biostatistics, and Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Leslee L. Subak

Authors
  1. Alayne D. Markland
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  2. Holly E. Richter
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  3. Kathryn L. Burgio
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  4. Deborah L. Myers
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  5. Alexandra L. Hernandez
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  6. Leslee L. Subak
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alayne D. Markland.

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Markland, A.D., Richter, H.E., Burgio, K.L. et al. Weight loss improves fecal incontinence severity in overweight and obese women with urinary incontinence. Int Urogynecol J 22, 1151–1157 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-011-1444-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-011-1444-x

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