Washington: A new study has shown that obesity is associated with a higher risk of urinary tract infections (UTI).

To identify whether obesity is associated with a UTI diagnosis, Baltimore researchers evaluated insurance claims of 95,962 subjects over a five-year period (from 2002 through 2006).

They found that, as BMI increased, the odds of being diagnosed with a UTI increased as well. This association was strongest for morbidly obese patients. "The effect of the obesity epidemic in the United States transcends any one medical specialty or condition," said Anthony Y. Smith, MD, an AUA spokesman.

"Patients with elevated body mass index should be vigilant about urologic health because even the most simple of urinary tract infections can be deadly if left untreated," he added.

The study was presented at the 104th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA).

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