For many women, an unexpected sneeze or burst into laughter can lead to an embarrassing outcome – a little leakage of urine.
Traditionally attributed to age or pregnancy, new findings reveal the real cause could be lurking inside the abdomen.
In a new study conducted by researchers at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) in Brazil, secret fat deposits between abdominal organs were revealed as a key contributor to stress incontinence of urine. The report was released on April 17, 2026.
Published in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology on January 19, 2026, the study concludes that what makes a difference isn’t how much you weigh, but where you store your body fat.
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When activities such as coughing, sneezing, lifting weights or exercising create excess pressure on the bladder, stress incontinence of urine results. For this research study, 99 women were scanned using DXA, a diagnostic test that measures body composition and highlights areas of fat.
As we know, general obesity increases one’s risk of having urinary incontinence. However, according to this study, visceral fat is a major contributing factor and a particular danger.
Visceral fat is like soft, fluffy pillows that surround our abdominal organs; depending on their location, they may apply pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, thereby increasing stress and making them more prone to leaking.
They made women 51% more likely to have this issue, irrespective of whether they had a normal BMI or not. BMI stands for body mass index and is a calculation based on a person’s height and weight.
According to another study by experts at the U.S. Office on Women’s Health, nearly 40% of participants experienced leakage, yet several women see it as a normal inconvenience. Experts suggested that even minor incidents are signs that the body’s support system is struggling.
However, it isn’t as simple as doing random kegels at your desk. Scholars mentioned that about 30% of women cannot contract these muscles correctly without professional guidance, and some may even perform the movement backwards, which can make the problem worse. With proper training, most women see a dramatic improvement in about 12 weeks, researchers said.
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Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication or treatment.