Obesity is linked to several serious health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. Several studies have shown that being obese or overweight also increases the chances of developing urinary incontinence — especially for women. Urinary incontinence refers to the unintentional loss of bladder control, which usually leads to urine leakage. While urinary incontinence can affect men and women, women are two times more likely to develop the condition than men. Urinary incontinence affects nearly 50% of middle-aged and older women worldwide, with varying severity. Urologist Dr. H Henry Lai found that nearly 60% of the patients who were seeking treatment for urinary incontinence or an overactive bladder were obese. Excess weight can contribute to weakened muscles surrounding the bladder, which can make it harder to control urination. Whether you already suffer from urinary incontinence or you’d like to be at a healthier weight, it can be difficult to know where to start. Dr. Jennifer Hubert offers customized medical weight loss plans that take a holistic approach to your health.