Centrally Distributed Adiposity as a Modifiable Risk Factor for Fecal Incontinence: United States Population-based Analysis

Fecal incontinence (FI) is highly prevalent with substantial impacts on quality of life and health care utilization. The impact of obesity on FI remains unclear, with differing conclusions using body mass index (BMI) as a risk factor. We aimed to determine the association between obesity and FI, and whether this relationship is dependent on the distribution of adiposity (waist circumference-to-height ratio [WHtR]).