Weight Cycling and Risk of Gallstone Disease in Men

Authors:
  • MLMichael F. Leitzmann
    Michael F. Leitzmann
  • WWWalter C. Willett
    Walter C. Willett
  • EGEdward L. Giovannucci
    Edward L. Giovannucci
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Abstract
Gallstone disease is common among adults in Western countries, and it is a major source of abdominal morbidity.1 Obesity is a potent risk factor for cholesterol gallstone disease, although it tends to be found less consistently in men than in women.2 Rapid weight loss for treatment of morbid obesity is also associated with gallstone formation.3 Obesity has become a serious public health problem in the United States over the past 2 to 3 decades. Approximately 34% of adults in the United States are overweight, and 30.5% are obese according to the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.4 The adverse health effects of overweight and obesity are well recognized, and it is recommended that those who are overweight or obese with obesity-related risk factors should lose weight by a combination of increased physical activity and dieting.5 Although approximately 30% of adult US men are trying to lose weight,6 intentional weight loss is rarely sustained and is often associated with unintentional weight regain, leading to weight cycling.7-9 The long-term health consequences of repeated intentional weight loss and the mechanisms of weight recovery are still not well understood. Studies have suggested that large weight fluctuations at some point earlier in life represent an independent risk factor for chronic diseases, including metabolic syndrome.10-13

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