title: Weight loss improves fecal incontinence severity in overweight and obese women with urinary incontinence.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
authors.affiliation: 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. amarkland@aging.uab.edu
authors.forename: Alayne D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Markland
authors.forename: Holly E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Richter
authors.forename: Kathryn L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Burgio
authors.forename: Deborah L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Myers
authors.forename: Alexandra L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Hernandez
authors.forename: Leslee L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Subak
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000178:diet therapy*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000150:complications; D015431:Weight Loss