Your Urine Can Indicate How Likely You Are to Be Obese

Scientists have found a link between urine and what that may possibly reveal about a persons ability to become obese.

Researchers reviewed data from more than 2,000 people in the United States and United Kingdom. The subjects had samples of their urine collected over two separate 24-hour period periods, three weeks apart.

The findings may also help researchers identify people who have a so-called "metabolic signature" for obesity but are not overweight, the scientists said, suggesting ways could be found to prevent them developing obesity and other metabolic diseases.

Urine contains various chemicals known as metabolites that come from a range of biochemical processes in the body.

"Our results point to patterns of metabolic markers in the urine associated with obesity," said Paul Elliott of Imperial's epidemiology and biostatistics department, who co-led the study.

"It may be possible to identify non-obese people who have such patterns in their urine profile. These people could be at risk of developing obesity and metabolic diseases, and might benefit from personalised preventative interventions."

The study also found that higher blood-sugar levels were linked with high BMI, and some participants' levels were high enough that it could indicate undiagnosed diabetes, the researchers said.

"In the future it may be possible to identify non-obese people with urinary metabolite patterns associated with increased risk of developing obesity and metabolic diseases," said Elliott. "Such people might benefit from personalized approaches to obesity prevention, for example, through lifestyle modification to improve diet and increase physical activity."

Until then, Elliott notes that obesity is a major public health problem and on the increase in many countries worldwide.

"Intensified efforts are required to prevent obesity through lifestyle measures, including a healthy, prudent diet and increased physical activity," he said.