Q I heard that obesity causes gallstones, but can gallstones also form during dieting?
A Both obesity and rapid weight loss increase the risk of gallstones. During rapid weight loss, the concentration of cholesterol in bile rises sharply and gallbladder motility decreases, making stone formation more likely.
Detailed Answer
In obesity, excess cholesterol is secreted into bile, creating the conditions for stone formation. Conversely, during extreme low-calorie diets or fasting that leads to rapid weight loss, the gallbladder fails to contract properly, bile stagnates, and stones can form. It is known that losing more than 1 kg per week significantly increases the incidence of gallstones.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Korean medicine approaches weight management in a way that supports blood and qi circulation in the gallbladder without strain. Choleretic and digestive formulas maintain bile flow while managing weight according to individual constitution.
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