The Impact of Obesity on Lower Urinary Tract Function: a Literature Review

Traditionally, lower urinary tract dysfunction was attributed to poor viscoelasticity of the bladder, neurogenic causes, and the enlarged prostate. The etiology of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) extends well beyond prostate enlargement and bladder outlet obstruction. There are many publications of the impact of obesity on diverse urological conditions, malignant and nonmalignant, in terms of patient clinicopathological parameters and outcomes. The literature is characterized by often conflicting results. However, there is increasing evidence showing that metabolic syndrome and, in particular, obesity can adversely affect lower urinary tract function. This review article will study the effect of obesity and metabolic syndrome on LUTS, BPH, overactive bladder (OAB), stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and post-prostatectomy outcomes.