What causes weight loss in patients with gallstones?

Oct 29, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

Weight loss in patients with gallstones may result from excessive dietary restriction, increased physical activity, cholecystitis, bile stasis, or digestive dysfunction. This can be improved through dietary adjustments, appropriate exercise, medication, and enhanced digestion. If weight loss continues to worsen or is accompanied by abdominal pain or jaundice, prompt medical attention is necessary. Excessive dietary restriction: long-term, strict fat limitation due to fear of gallstone attacks.

Weight loss in patients with gallstones may be caused by excessive dietary restriction, increased physical activity, cholecystitis, bile stasis, or digestive dysfunction. This can be improved through dietary adjustments, appropriate exercise, medication, and enhanced digestion. If weight loss continues to worsen or is accompanied by abdominal pain or jaundice, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Excessive dietary restriction: Due to fear of gallstone attacks, long-term strict limitation of fat and protein intake can lead to insufficient caloric and nutritional intake, resulting in gradual weight loss, possibly accompanied by fatigue and poor mental state. It is recommended to adjust the diet under medical guidance, ensuring adequate intake of high-quality protein and healthy fats, and balanced nutritional supplementation.

2. Increased physical activity: A sudden increase in exercise to control body weight or improve health may raise energy expenditure, while inadequate energy replenishment leads to weight loss, possibly accompanied by significant post-exercise fatigue. It is advisable to gradually increase activity levels according to individual capacity, promptly replenish carbohydrates and protein after exercise, and avoid excessive energy consumption.

3. Cholecystitis: Gallstones blocking the cystic duct can trigger gallbladder inflammation. The inflammation impairs gallbladder contraction and causes abnormal bile secretion, affecting food digestion and absorption, leading to weight loss, often accompanied by right upper abdominal pain and nausea. Under medical supervision, patients may take medications such as cefuroxime axetil capsules, anti-inflammatory and bile-promoting tablets, or ursodeoxycholic acid capsules to alleviate symptoms.

4. Bile stasis: Gallstones obstructing bile outflow cause bile accumulation within the bile ducts, impairing fat digestion. Over time, this leads to malabsorption and weight loss, often accompanied by skin itching and pale stools. Under medical guidance, medications such as ademetionine disulfate 1,4-butanedisulfonate enteric-coated tablets, lithiasis-relieving and bile-promoting tablets, or ursodeoxycholic acid capsules may be used to relieve discomfort.

5. Digestive dysfunction: Gallstones disrupt normal bile excretion, reducing intestinal digestive enzyme activity. This results in incomplete food digestion and poor nutrient absorption, gradually causing weight loss along with bloating and diarrhea. As directed by a physician, medications such as compound digestive enzyme capsules, multienzyme tablets, or quadruple probiotic preparations containing Bifidobacterium may be used to improve symptoms.

Daily care should include regular meals and avoidance of overeating; choosing low-fat, easily digestible foods with small, frequent meals; maintaining a healthy sleep schedule and avoiding late nights to support nutrient absorption and overall recovery.

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What should I do if gallstones recur?

Gallstone recurrence may be caused by improper diet, irregular作息 (lifestyle), chronic cholecystitis, bile stasis, or biliary colic. It can be improved through dietary adjustments, regular作息 (lifestyle), medication, and inflammation control. If recurrences are frequent and accompanied by severe abdominal pain or fever, prompt medical attention is necessary. Daily care should include adherence to a low-fat diet and avoiding spicy and irritating foods.

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What causes gallbladder polyps?

In general, gallbladder polyps may be caused by irregular eating habits, aging, chronic cholecystitis, gallstones, bile stasis, and other factors. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, maintain regular meal patterns and avoid prolonged fasting; control body weight and reduce intake of high-fat foods.

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What should patients with gallstones drink?

Patients with gallstones may suitably drink warm water, low-fat milk, light vegetable soup, fresh fruit and vegetable juice, and herbal tea, but should consume these in moderation. If severe right upper abdominal pain, fever, or jaundice occurs, seek immediate medical attention at the hepatobiliary surgery department or emergency department. Warm water: As a fundamental and safe beverage, warm water helps promote metabolism.

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Can people with gallstones stay up late?

In general, people with gallstones should not stay up late, as sleep deprivation may worsen the condition or trigger discomfort, which is unfavorable for disease control. Therefore, maintaining a regular sleep schedule and avoiding late nights are important aspects of care after being diagnosed with gallstones. Patients should ensure adequate sleep and, at the same time, follow a low-fat diet, adhere to medical advice, and undergo regular check-ups or treatment as prescribed, in order to better manage the condition and reduce the risk of complications.