Adherence to healthy lifestyle linked to lower risk for overactive bladder

By Admin

25 Jul, 2025

Overactive bladder (OAB) affects millions of people globally, disrupting daily life with symptoms such as urgency, frequent urination, and sometimes incontinence. While medication and therapy are common treatments, new research suggests that lifestyle choices play a critical role in reducing OAB risk. A recent study published on June 30 in Frontiers in Nutrition provides strong evidence that following a healthy lifestyle significantly lowers the likelihood of developing OAB.

Key Findings from the Study

The study, led by Tianjie Li from The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University in China, analyzed data from 20,195 nonpregnant adults aged 20 to 79 years in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected between 2007 and 2020. The researchers used five criteria to determine a healthy lifestyle score:

1. Current nonsmoking status
   
   

2. Low-to-moderate alcohol consumption
   
   

3. Adequate physical activity
   
   

4. A healthy diet
   
   

5. Optimal waist circumference
   
   

Lifestyle Score and OAB Risk

The study revealed that 14.58% of participants were diagnosed with OAB. However, there was a significant inverse relationship between the number of healthy lifestyle factors and the risk of developing OAB. Participants who adhered to four to five healthy lifestyle components had a 46% lower risk for OAB compared to those with zero to one factor. Furthermore, each additional lifestyle factor was associated with a 17% reduction in OAB risk, showcasing a clear dose-response effect.

Independent Impact of Each Lifestyle Component

The research further confirmed that each healthy lifestyle factor contributed independently to lowering OAB risk. In particular:

• Nonsmokers had a lower risk compared to current smokers.
  
  

• Moderate alcohol intake (rather than abstinence or heavy consumption) was linked to reduced risk.
  
  

• Engaging in regular physical activity helped regulate bladder function.
  
  

• A nutritious diet supported overall urologic and metabolic health.
  
  

• Maintaining optimal waist circumference was associated with better bladder control.
  
  

Clinical Implications

The authors emphasized the importance of preventive care in managing OAB, stating:
“Clinically, health care professionals might incorporate lifestyle counseling into care, providing personalized recommendations for individuals at higher OAB risk.”

By focusing on holistic lifestyle changes, healthcare providers can potentially reduce the burden of OAB on individuals and the healthcare system.

Conclusion

This study offers promising evidence that simple, sustainable lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of overactive bladder. As the medical community shifts toward more preventive strategies, integrating lifestyle counseling into routine care could be a vital step forward in managing bladder health. Whether you're looking to prevent OAB or manage its symptoms, adopting a healthy lifestyle may be one of the most effective tools at your disposal.