Can gallstones cause obesity?
Nov 05, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, there is no direct causal relationship between gallstones and obesity, although some indirect associations may exist. It is important in daily life to adjust dietary patterns by reducing intake of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods such as fried foods and animal offal, while increasing consumption of fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Maintaining regular physical activity and keeping body weight within a healthy range are also essential.
Generally, there is no direct causal relationship between gallstones and obesity, although some indirect associations may exist. The specific analysis is as follows:
Gallstone formation is mostly related to imbalances in bile composition and the crystallization of cholesterol. Obesity itself does not directly cause gallstones. However, obese individuals often consume excessive amounts of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods. Such diets can increase cholesterol levels in bile, raising the risk of cholesterol stone formation. Meanwhile, metabolic disturbances of fat in obese individuals may impair bile excretion, leading to bile stasis, which further creates favorable conditions for gallstone development. These factors contribute to an indirect link between obesity and gallstones.
In daily life, it's important to adjust dietary habits by reducing intake of fried foods, animal offal, and other high-fat, high-cholesterol foods, while increasing consumption of fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Maintaining regular physical activity and keeping body weight within a healthy range—avoiding rapid weight gain or loss—is also essential. Establishing a routine of three regular meals per day, especially eating breakfast, helps promote regular bile discharge and reduces the likelihood of gallstone formation. If symptoms such as upper right abdominal pain or nausea occur, prompt medical evaluation is recommended.
