How can I effectively counsel patients on lifestyle modifications to prevent urinary incontinence?

When counselling patients on lifestyle modifications to prevent urinary incontinence, advise them to follow a balanced diet, including adequate fibre intake, to improve stool consistency and prevent symptoms of faecal incontinence ³.

Encourage physical activity, following standard guidelines such as the UK Chief Medical Officers' physical activity guidelines, to help prevent pelvic floor dysfunction ³.

Advise women with a body mass index over 25 kg/m² that weight loss can help reduce symptoms of urinary incontinence and overactive bladder ³.

Discuss the importance of modifying fluid intake if it is too high or too low, as both excessive and inadequate fluid intake may lead to lower urinary tract symptoms ¹,²,³.

Recommend reducing caffeine intake, especially in women with overactive bladder, as caffeine may exacerbate symptoms ¹,²,³.