Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health
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Patterns in long term weight change and the incidence of adverse urogynaecological health issues in middle aged Australian women

Approved: 2018

Collaborators:

  • Ms Gabrielle Menolotto
  • Prof Wendy Brown
  • Dr Enamul Kabir
  • Dr Rachel King

Synopsis

This project explores the relationship between long-term weight change and the incidence of urogynaecological health issues in middle aged Australian women. Obesity is a risk factor for adverse urogynaecological conditions including forms of urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection, genital prolapse, menstrual irregularity and more. In severe cases, surgical interventions are undertaken. Surgical alternatives include weight loss interventions, however research into long-term weight change remains underexplored.Middle age is a time of hormonal change for many women and by using this cohort we will explore the association between prolonged weight change and the incidence of urogynaecological symptoms, urogynaecological surgeries and menopause.