Are obese people more prone to gallbladder polyps?

Generally, overweight individuals are more likely to develop gallbladder polyps, but obesity is not the sole determining factor. Whether someone develops the condition must be assessed by considering multiple factors together. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Overweight individuals are more prone to developing gallbladder polyps primarily because fat metabolism tends to become disordered in obese people. Excess body fat can alter bile composition, increasing the proportion of cholesterol in bile. When cholesterol levels exceed the bile's capacity to dissolve it, cholesterol may precipitate and form crystals. Over time, these crystals may accumulate and develop into gallbladder polyps. Additionally, obese individuals often have weakened gallbladder contractile function, leading to prolonged bile retention in the gallbladder, which further increases the likelihood of cholesterol crystallization and creates favorable conditions for the formation of gallbladder polyps. However, the development of gallbladder polyps is also associated with other factors such as genetics, chronic inflammatory stimulation, dietary patterns, and aging. Therefore, the occurrence of this condition is not determined solely by obesity, and a comprehensive assessment involving all these factors is necessary.

In daily life, it is important to maintain a healthy weight and reduce intake of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods such as animal offal and fried foods, avoiding overeating. Regular abdominal ultrasound examinations are recommended, especially for those who are overweight, to enable early detection of gallbladder polyps. If polyps are detected, regular follow-up exams should be conducted according to medical advice to monitor changes in the size and number of polyps. Any abnormalities should be addressed promptly to prevent disease progression.