Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle May Reduce the Risk of Overactive Bladder

Recent research indicates that adhering to a healthy lifestyle could significantly lower the likelihood of developing overactive bladder (OAB). A comprehensive study published in
Frontiers in Nutrition explored how multiple lifestyle factors collectively influence OAB risk. The study analyzed data from over 20,000 adults in the United States, focusing on five key components: not smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, and maintaining an optimal waist circumference.

The findings revealed that approximately 14.6% of participants had OAB. Importantly, there was a clear dose-response relationship: individuals with four to five healthy lifestyle habits had nearly half the risk of developing OAB compared to those with one or no healthy habits. Each additional healthy lifestyle factor was associated with a 17% reduction in OAB risk, with the protective effect confirmed through various sensitivity analyses.

Specifically, smoking cessation, moderate alcohol intake, consistent exercise, healthy eating, and waist management independently contributed to lowering OAB risk. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to incorporate personalized lifestyle counseling into patient care, especially for those at higher risk of OAB, to promote preventive strategies.

These insights underline the importance of adopting multiple healthy behaviors simultaneously to reduce the incidence of overactive bladder and improve overall urinary health.