A recent study reveals how poor dietary choices and disordered eating may increase the risk of pelvic floor disorders in middle-aged women, specifically from ages 47 to 55 years old.1
Urinary incontinence is a multifactorial condition influenced not just by aging or hormones, but also by overlooked lifestyle habits such as physical activity, sleep quality, and now, eating patterns.
Most women with urinary incontinence report experiencing symptoms such as leakage during physical activity, urgency to urinate with little warning, and nighttime disruptions. These symptoms can significantly affect quality of life, impacting daily routines, work productivity, and emotional well-being.
Disordered eating habits like overeating, restrictive eating, or alternating between the two have been associated with an increased prevalence of pelvic floor disorder symptoms in midlife women, according to recent research.
These behaviours may influence weight fluctuations and nutritional deficiencies, both of which can affect pelvic muscle function.
The ERMA study, involving more than 1,000 Finnish women between the ages of 47 and 55, collected self-reported data on dietary behaviours, physical activity, and gynecologic factors. The results point to a significant association between poor diet quality and symptoms of pelvic floor disorders.
These findings underscore the importance of including nutritional evaluation and counselling in preventive healthcare strategies for menopausal women.
Source:
University of Jyväskylä – Jyväskylän yliopisto. “Disordered Eating and Certain Foods Linked to Higher Risk for Urinary Incontinence in Middle-Aged Women.” ScienceDaily, 13 Feb. 2025, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250213144144.htm.
