How does obesity contribute to urinary incontinence?

Obesity significantly contributes to urinary incontinence primarily by increasing pressure on the bladder. When an individual is obese, the additional body weight can create physical pressure on the pelvic organs, including the bladder. This pressure can disrupt normal bladder function and lead to involuntary leakage of urine, especially during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, or exercising.

Furthermore, the excess adipose tissue can affect the support structures of the pelvic floor, which are essential for maintaining bladder control. As a result, those who are obese are at an increased risk of developing stress urinary incontinence due to this additional pressure undermining the bladder's ability to store and control urine effectively.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect how obesity impacts urinary incontinence. For example, increased bladder capacity and decreased bladder sensitivity would not typically result from obesity. Similarly, improved pelvic support is not associated with obesity; rather, obesity tends to compromise pelvic support structures.