Cureus

Urinary Problems Linked to Severe Obesity and How Weight Loss Surgery and Diabetes Drugs May Help Manage Them

Updated

Abstract

Eighty-four studies involving over 165,000 participants indicate that morbid obesity significantly impacts urological health.

  • Morbid obesity is associated with an increased risk of renal cell carcinoma (relative risk: 1.5-2.0) and higher mortality from prostate cancer (hazard ratio: 1.19-1.24), despite lower incidence rates of prostate cancer.
  • Urinary incontinence and overactive bladder may improve or resolve in 50-70% of women following bariatric surgery.
  • Erectile dysfunction and hypogonadism could improve post-bariatric surgery, with International Index of Erectile Function scores increasing by 4-6 points and testosterone levels rising by 30-50%.
  • Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are associated with an increase in testosterone levels (standardized mean difference: 1.39 ng/mL) and improved erectile function.
  • Tirzepatide may reduce urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio by 19-47% and preserve estimated glomerular filtration rate.
  • Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is linked to a 2.5-4-fold increase in nephrolithiasis risk due to enteric hyperoxaluria, while sleeve gastrectomy does not show this risk.

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Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.
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