Men with central (or abdominal) obesity are at increased risk of experiencing lower urinary tract symptoms, a new study suggests. The researchers, including Haiying Zhang from Guangxi Medical University in China, also found that an increased waist-to-hip ratio was associated with worsened straining and weak stream.

Central obesity or abdominal obesity occurs when excessive abdominal fat around the stomach and abdomen has built up to the extent that it is likely to have a negative impact on health.