Overactive bladder (OAB) can significantly impact quality of life, and weight loss is known to help reduce symptoms. With the increasing use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists—primarily for weight loss—researchers are exploring whether these medications may have additional benefits for bladder health. This pilot study offers early insights into how GLP-1 therapy might influence OAB symptoms, particularly in patients with more frequent baseline symptoms.

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What the Research Shows

  • Purpose: To explore whether GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide) affect overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.

  • Method: Anonymous online survey of adults (18+) who used GLP-1s and experienced OAB symptoms.

  • Participants: 33 total; 27 female; 96.9% used semaglutide, mostly for weight loss.

  • Findings:

    • 33.3% (11 participants) reported OAB symptom improvement after starting GLP-1 therapy.

    • Average weight loss: 12.2% (improvement group) vs. 8.4% (no change) and 10% (worsening); not statistically significant (p = 0.24).

    • 50% of those with daily OAB episodes improved.

    • 90.91% of participants who improved had daily OAB before treatment.

  • Interpretation: Weight loss can improve OAB symptoms, but results suggest GLP-1s may offer additional benefit—especially in patients with more severe baseline symptoms.

What This Means for Clinical Care

  • GLP-1s may be considered for patients with obesity and frequent or severe OAB symptoms.
  • Individuals with more pronounced baseline symptoms could see greater benefit.
  • Findings are preliminary and based on self-reported data; caution in interpretation is warranted.

A Multidisciplinary Approach

  • Collaboration between urology, primary care, and obesity medicine may help optimize care.
  • Monitor urinary symptoms alongside weight changes in patients using GLP-1 therapy.
  • Further research with larger, controlled studies is needed to confirm these observations and explore mechanisms.

  1. Sandler, M. D., Williams, A. D., Wein, A., Amin, K., & Syan, R. (2025). Effects of Glucagon like Peptide-1 agonists on patients with overactive bladder: A pilot study. Continence Reports, 100083.

When GLP-1s Come Up in Patient Care

Catch the replay of Dr. Amanda Olson’s session where she gives a general overview of GLP-1 medications, when they may be appropriate for patients, and key context providers can use in conversations about these therapies. 

Explore more training replays in the PHN Resource Hub and request CE certificates as you complete trainings.

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About Dr. Amanda Olson, DPT, PRPC

You now have a true advocate. Dr. Amanda Olson's commitment to pelvic health developed from her own emotional and challenging experience first as a patient. In 2008, while on a family campaign trip, Dr. Olson fell over 40 feet into a river. She sustained a dislocation to her coccyx and significant damage to the muscles, tendons, and pelvic floor ligaments. Fortunately, Amanda saw a pelvic physical therapist who used a comprehensive evaluation, manual techniques, and exercises that allowed her to heal. That next year, she shifted her focus from pediatrics to pelvic physical therapy which eventually led her to Intimate Rose!