Could Rapid Weight Loss Cause Gallstones?

A healthy weight is recommended for peak optimum health. People with excess weight are recommended to lose some in order to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, heart failure and strokes, diabetes, and many other ailments. However, there are also dangers of losing weight too fast. One of them is gallstones.

What Causes Gallstones?

Gallstones could be defined as any material that forms in a gland called gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located near the liver in the right upper abdomen. This gland regulates the release of bile into the intestine to aid in the digestion process. Gallstones are mainly cholesterol-solidified material. They may come in a variety of sizes and numbers. People may have a big gallstone or may have many small ones.
According to the NDICC, causes of gallstones are not completely understood. However, it is known that these solid depositions form when the bile contains too much cholesterol and not enough bile salts. Also, gallstones seem to be associated with the inability of the gallbladder to contract and release bile appropriately. Risk factors for developing gallstones include: sex (women are more prone), family history (genetic link), being overweight, low-fiber diets, fast weight loss, age, use of cholesterol-lowering drugs, diabetes, etc.

Dangers Of Losing Weight Too Fast

Research has shown there is a connection between rapid weight loss and gallstones (Erlinger, 2000). According to this study, people who lose weight too quickly are at greater risk of developing gallstones than those who lose weight more slowly. In fact, losing more than 3 pound per week increases the risk of getting gallstones. The explanation for this increased risk seems to be associated with the imbalances that fast weight loss induces in the dieter's body. Cholesterol release may be increase while bile salts may be decreased by fast weight loss. These are ideal conditions for gallstones to develop. Also, gallbladder contractions (thus release of bile) seem to decrease with fasting and crash dieting.

Tips To Avoid Gallstone Formation
Follow a well-balanced diet. The quality of the food you eat will undoubtedly affect your risk of developing gallstones. A balanced diet is the culprit to prevent gallstone formation. Your diet must contain fat, but no more than 30%. Include plenty of fiber in your diet.

If you have excess weight, lose it gradually. Obesity and being overweight is an issue for many people. If you need to lose weight do it slowly since research has shown that losing weight too fast is a risk factor for developing gallstones.
Increase your activity level. Exercise may help in preventing gallstones, in addition to contributing towards optimum health.

Sources:
NDICC. Gallstones. National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse.

Erlinger S. 2000. Gallstones in obesity and weight loss. European Journal of Gastroenterology Hepatology, 12 (12): 1347-1352.