A study in the New England Journal of Medicine examined the effect of weight loss on urinary incontinence in women with obesity. Women reduced their average number of episodes of urinary leakage by 47%. The average weight loss was 17 pounds, and the average starting BMI was 36.
Both groups were given a self-help guide to behavioral treatment for incontinence. The control group lost about 3 pounds, and had half the improvement compared to the weight loss group. Weight loss was achieved through a supervised 6 month program including a 1200-1500 calorie diet and weekly lifestyle intervention meetings lasting one hour.
Drugs for urinary incontinence include dry mouth, constipation, dizziness and increase in urinary tract infections. This is a complex disorder that usually requires a medical evaluation and often daily long term medical treatment.