What is the impact of obesity on urinary incontinence?

Obesity significantly increases the risk of urinary incontinence due to several physiological factors. Excess body weight contributes to increased abdominal pressure, which can strain the pelvic floor muscles and weaken the bladder control mechanism. This added pressure can lead to stress urinary incontinence, where leakage occurs during activities that increase abdominal pressure such as coughing, sneezing, or exercise.

Additionally, obesity can influence hormonal changes and increase the production of inflammatory mediators, which may affect the bladder's function and sensitivity. As a result, individuals who are obese tend to experience a higher prevalence of urinary incontinence compared to those with a healthier weight.

The other options incorrectly suggest that obesity has no impact, improves bladder control, or decreases the need for interventions. In reality, the correlation between obesity and urinary incontinence is well-documented, highlighting obesity as a significant risk factor that negatively impacts urinary function.