Lower urinary tract symptoms, obesity and the metabolic syndrome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The epidemic of obesity and concomitant metabolic syndrome is well documented. New evidence points to a connection between the components of metabolic syndrome and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). RECENT FINDINGS: Multiple studies have demonstrated a strong independent association between the components of metabolic syndrome and BPH/LUTS. Furthermore, modifiable risk factors, such as increased physical activity, appear to decrease the risk of BPH/LUTS. SUMMARY: Emerging data points to a strong relationship between metabolic syndrome and BPH/LUTS, indicating a common cause. Further exploration of this relationship may result in a new understanding of the pathophysiology, treatment, and prevention of these disorders.