A member asked:

Why obesity cause gallstones ?

10 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Dr. John Fung answered

Specializes in General Surgery

Chemical imbalance : Gallstones are made of cholesterol, bile acids and bilirubin. If there is an imbalance in these, it can predispose to certain types of gallstones. Obesity can be linked to elevated cholesterol and predispose to cholesterol stones, which make up about 80% of gallstones in the us.

Answered 5/30/2015

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Dr. Stephen Southard answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Cholesterol: Appears to be at the center of this issue. With obesity there is increased cholesterol synthesis and secretion. And when secreted into the hepatobiliary tract, it leads to the development of cholesterol gallstones.

Answered 5/30/2015

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Dr. Stuart Hickerson answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Gallstones: When your are obese your body simply has more fat content and this includes increased lipids and cholesterol though your bile system. That increases the risk for gallstones.

Answered 1/23/2017

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