Gallstones Linked to Gut Circumference
Anyone who has experienced gallstones is familiar with the accompanying pain and discomfort. Gallstones are crystallized clumps of cholesterol that form in the gallbladder. After eating, one usually experiences symptoms such as indigestion, bloating and abdominal pain. A recent study found out that adult men:
  • with a 37-38 inch waist circumference had a 40% higher risk of getting gallstones
  • with a 39 inch waist circumference, had an 80% higher chance of getting gallstones and
  • with a waist circumference was 40 inches or more doubled their risk of getting gallstones.
The abdominal fat in the waist area is thought to be more metabolically active than fat distributed in the lower body areas. It releases greater amounts of substances like fatty acids and hormones.

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Men, take out the tape measure and do a quick circumference measurement of your waist. Shedding a few pounds and dropping a few inches can do wonders for your health, including your gallbladder.
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Member Comments

CHERYLHURT
I was skinny...with gallstones. Report
AQUAGIRL08
Very interesting! Add in heredity, and the chances of having gallstones goes up significantly! Report
RAZZOOZLE
Thank you Report
ROBBIEY
good to know info Report
RO2BENT
My parents had their gall bladders removed Report
CHERYLHURT
I was thin. Report
RYCGIRL
thanks Report
ANHELIC
Thanks for the information. Report
EVILCECIL
I would like to see how this conclusion was reached... Report
LAVONIVY
I had my gallstones removed when I was 19 years old and weighed 106 lbs. So weight has no bearing on whether or not you will get gallstones. I have had no effect whatsoever from the removal of my gallstones. I am 65 now and I have been able to eat anything I want without a problem. Report
YMWONG22
Good article. Report
BONNIE1552
Interesting connection. Report
RO2BENT
Both my parents had gall bladders removed because of these stones Report
DC741248
Why is this article only about men .. and fat men at that ! Women and skinny people get gallstones too!

I had to have my gallbladder removed two years ago. Symptoms came on suddenly out of the blue and wouldnt quit. Er said my gallbladder full of stones and only answer was removal. They couldn't fit me in right away and in that two week wait for surgery, I lost over 25 lbs I couldn't eat even a banana without being in agony. Losing weight that fast is not healthy though and I felt so ill and hungry!
My doc said being overweight isnt the only cause of gallstones.

It took about five months for my digestion to readjust. And I still stay away from high fat foods because they will cause me diarrhea. But I can manage just fine without my gallbladder and watching what I eat is better for me anyway. Report
SILVER1369
Yes it would have been interesting to have some facts on females. I will be having my gall bladder removed on the 9th of May 2018 Report

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About The Author

Becky Hand
Becky Hand
Becky is a registered and licensed dietitian with almost 20 years of experience. A certified health coach through the Cooper Institute with a master's degree in health education, she makes nutrition principles practical, easy-to-apply and fun. See all of Becky's articles.