How to change your lifestyle to manage obesity incontinence

Man on treadmill
16 October 2023

How to change your lifestyle to manage obesity incontinence

Incontinence affects millions of people worldwide, but for those living with obesity as well, it can be particularly tough, presenting unique challenges. 

In this Incontinence Shop guide, we'll have a look at causes, emotional and physical impacts, and lifestyle changes that you can make to lessen its effects.

  • Understanding obesity-related incontinence

  • The physical and emotional impact

  • Changing your lifestyle to manage incontinence

  • Incontinence products and support

Understanding Obesity-Related Incontinence

Obesity can cause incontinence by adding extra weight onto the bladder and the muscles in the pelvic area. This added pressure, over time, gradually weakens these muscles. This then makes it harder to control when to go to the bathroom. 

The Physical and Emotional Impact

Obesity-related incontinence can have major impact on physical and emotional health, including:

Physical Challenges

  • Frequent and uncontrollable urine leakage.

  • The need to use absorbent products to manage incontinence.

  • Skin irritation and discomfort due to prolonged contact with moisture.

  • Increased risk of urinary tract infections.

Emotional Challenges 

  • Reduced self-esteem and self-confidence

  • Anxiety and social withdrawal.

  • Low mood and depression

Important lifestyle changes for obesity incontinence

Making some simple changes to your daily habits drastically impacts your experience with obesity-related incontinence - so, what do these include?

Changing your diet

No matter your weight, keeping a well-balanced diet is ideal. For obesity-related reasons, however, this can take unnecessary pressure off your bladder and pelvic floor. Then there’s cutting out caffeine and acidic foods - this will reduce bladder irritation and minimise incontinence episodes. 

Exercise for improving pelvic floor strength

Again, exercise and managing your weight through physical activity is important for everyone, but when it comes to obesity-related incontinence, exercise can help strengthen the pelvic floor and give you better control over your bladder. 

Incontinence Products 

For many with obesity-related incontinence, wearable products can be vital to living a normal life. These include:

Incontinence pads -  Disposable pads can help manage light to moderate leakage and keep you dry and comfortable.

Protective underwear - These are designed to look and feel like regular underwear but provide extra protection against leakage.

Adult nappies - For more severe incontinence, adult nappies offer you the best protection and comfort.

Live a happy life with obesity-related incontinence 

If you're struggling with obesity-related incontinence and are seeking cost-effective solutions that improve your comfort and dignity, then look no further than incontinence pads from Incontinence Shop

When reliability is non-negotiable, our incontinence products excel in their absorbency.

Our incontinence pads and pants offer reliable protection that minimises discomfort and maximises discretion. 

And for prices lower than supermarket costs - even for the most premium brands like TENA and Drylife - Incontinence Shop is the best choice for those looking for incontinence products in bulk, such as carers of nursing home patients. 

And, if you subscribe to your incontinence product of choice, then you can enjoy 10% off every order as well as convenient doorstep delivery.