Will skipping breakfast lead to gallstones?

Generally speaking, whether skipping breakfast leads to gallstones depends on an individual's eating habits, physical condition, and other factors. A detailed analysis is as follows:

If breakfast is regularly skipped and the daily diet contains a high proportion of fatty and sugary foods, bile secreted during the night will continuously accumulate in the gallbladder without being expelled through stimulation from morning food intake. Prolonged retention of bile may lead to cholesterol precipitation and deposition, gradually forming gallstones. Individuals with such habits are at relatively higher risk of developing gallstones, especially if they already have weakened gallbladder contraction function, which further increases the risk.

However, if breakfast is only occasionally skipped, meals at other times are regular, and the diet is primarily light and low in fat, the gallbladder can still contract normally during lunch and dinner to discharge bile effectively. With shorter periods of bile stasis and normal metabolic and gallbladder functions, these individuals face a relatively lower risk of developing gallstones. Occasional breakfast skipping usually does not directly cause gallstone formation.

In daily life, it is advisable to develop a habit of eating breakfast regularly. Breakfast should include whole grains, high-quality protein, and vegetables to promote normal bile emptying. Avoid prolonged fasting or overeating to reduce the likelihood of bile accumulation. Regular abdominal ultrasound examinations are recommended, especially for individuals with a family history of gallstones or a personal history of gallbladder disease, who should closely monitor their gallbladder health.