Top line:
obesity is significantly related to fecal incontinence (FI), fecal urgency, large rectoceles, and increased resting pressure in the anus and rectum, new research suggests.
methodology:
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This cross-sectional study involved 1155 patients (84% female) referred to the Royal London Hospital’s Lower Gastrointestinal Physiology Department.
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All patients met Rome IV criteria for FI and/or functionality constipation.
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Medical history, symptoms, and anorectal physiological test results were analyzed.
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Two-thirds (66.5%) of patients with FI and/or functional constipation were overweight or obese.
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Obesity was significantly associated with FI for liquid stool (odds ratio) [OR]1.96), fecal urgency (OR, 1.54), urgency FI (OR, 1.68), and vaginal digitization (OR, 2.18).
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A higher proportion of obese patients had FI based on Rome criteria or comorbid FI and functional constipation compared with overweight patients and patients with normal BMI.
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There was a positive linear correlation between BMI and anal resting pressure (P = .0003).
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Obese patients were more likely to have clinically significant large rectoceles (OR, 2.62).
in fact:
“Obesity influences specific defecation symptoms (mainly FI) and prolapse symptoms, as well as pathophysiological findings (increased anal resting pressure, significant rectocele). Obesity poses a modifiable risk of FI and constipation. “Prospective studies are needed to determine whether this is a factor,” the authors wrote.
sauce:
The study was led by Pam Chaichanavichkij, MBChB, from the National Bowel Research Center and Gastrointestinal Physiology Unit, Queen Mary University of London, UK.it was Published online July 7 American Journal of Gastroenterology.
Limitations:
The study sample consisted primarily of female patients from a single tertiary center, so the results may not be generalizable to male patients or the general population. The researchers were unable to control for potential confounders, such as diet and exercise, that could influence the association between obesity and bowel dysfunction.
Disclosure:
This study received no specific funding. The authors have disclosed no relevant conflicts of interest.
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