Obesity and Voiding Parameters in a Community-Based Population of Okinawa, Japan: Kumejima Digital Health Project (KDHP)

Abstract

(1) Background: Evidence has accumulated regarding the etiology of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify which subjectively and objectively measured voiding parameters were associated with obesity in a community-based population. (2) Methods: Voiding parameters on a self-administered questionnaire and a digital self-health monitoring system for urine excretion (s-HMSU) were compared between participants with and without obesity, defined as a body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 (n = 30 and 29, respectively), from a community in Okinawa, Japan. Logistic regression analysis was employed to calculate the odds ratios of abnormalities in voiding parameters for the obese group, with the non-obese group serving as a reference. (3) Results: The obese group had odds ratios of 5.17 (95% confidence interval: 1.33–20.0) for shortened hours of undisturbed sleep (<302 min) by s-HMSU and 7.65 (1.88–31.1) for nighttime urinary frequency by a questionnaire after adjusting for age and sex. In addition, the obese group had an adjusted odds ratio of 2.27 (0.76–6.78) for decreased maximum bladder capacity (<212 mL) by s-HMSU. (4) Conclusion: the results of the present study suggest that nocturia and shortened hours of undisturbed sleep are signs of obesity.