Fewer urine leaks in men
- Published in
- J Urol 2014
- People studied
- 1,910
In 1,910 men with obesity and type 2 diabetes, a weight-loss programme lowered the odds of urine leaks by 38% after a year.
- Checked against
- PubMed 24533998
- Published in
- J Urol 2014
- Last checked
- 30 October 2026
Key takeaway
This analysis of the Look AHEAD trial included 1,910 men with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes. After a year the programme group had lost 9.4% of their weight, against 0.7%. Urine leaks became less common in the programme group (11.3% to 9.0%) while they rose in the comparison group (9.7% to 11.6%), and existing leaks went away more often (56.0% against 40.7%).
At a glance
- Type of study
- randomised trial (analysis within the Look AHEAD trial)
- People studied
- 1,910
- How long
- 1 year
- Compared with
- a diabetes support and education group
- Main result
- 38% lower odds of urine leaks after a year.
- Strength of evidence
- Randomised trials
What this study does not show
Leaks were reported by the men themselves, and all had type 2 diabetes. How often they passed urine by day or at night did not change.
Results from studies in groups of people, mostly in diet and movement programmes. They cannot be promised to any one person. This information is educational and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.
More on intimate health
- Better erectionsRandomised trials · Esposito et al., JAMA 2004
- Fewer urine leaksRandomised trials · Subak et al., NEJM 2009
- Easier hot flushesRandomised trials · Huang et al., Arch Intern Med 2010
- Better sexual function in womenRandomised trials · Wing et al., Diabetes Care 2013
- Higher testosteroneLong-term or observational studies · Camacho et al., Eur J Endocrinol 2013
- Fewer urine leaks in menRandomised trials · Breyer et al., J Urol 2014
The next step is a conversation, not a decision
A licensed doctor decides whether any treatment is right for you. The answer can also be no treatment.
1You fill in a short form
2We call you within 24 hours
3A paid 20-minute video consultation with a doctor
4The doctor goes through your options and decides what is right for you