Jyväskylä, Finland — June 2025 — A longitudinal study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä has revealed a significant correlation between central adiposity—excess fat accumulation around the abdomen—and the development of urinary incontinence (UI) in middle-aged women. The findings, which emerged from the Estrogenic Regulation of Muscle Apoptosis (ERMA) and EsmiRs studies, underscore the critical importance of body composition, rather than just overall body mass, in women's pelvic health during midlife.
Led by researchers from the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, the study tracked 1,047 women aged 47 to 55 over a span of approximately 3.5 years. Data were drawn from both self-reported urinary symptoms and direct measurements of body fat distribution via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
The analysis found that increased central fat mass was associated with a higher risk of developing UI, especially stress urinary incontinence (SUI), even when adjusted for total body fat and age. Notably, the association was independent of general weight gain, suggesting that central fat distribution specifically exerts a mechanical or hormonal influence on pelvic floor integrity.
Urinary incontinence, particularly stress-related forms, is prevalent among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, often negatively impacting quality of life. Although obesity has long been identified as a risk factor, this study refines the understanding by isolating central adiposity as a more precise determinant.
“These results highlight the importance of monitoring central fat accumulation and its health implications during the menopausal transition,” the researchers concluded. They advocate for targeted interventions—such as core-focused physical activity and dietary strategies—to mitigate central obesity and reduce the risk of incontinence.
The study contributes to the growing field of research on women’s health during midlife, particularly concerning the interconnectedness of metabolic and urogenital systems. Future investigations may further explore the biological mechanisms by which visceral fat influences urinary tract function.
Source: https://www.jyu.fi/en/news/central-adiposity-increases-the-risk-for-urinary-incontinence