What Causes Gallstones?

Causes of gallstones is usually the result of too much cholesterol or bilirubin in the bile. Risk factors for developing gallstones can be a combination of factors, including her heredity, body chemistry, body type, gender, and maybe even an individual's diet.

Risk factors for developing gallstones include:

• Obesity.
  Obesity is a major risk factor for gallstones, especially in women. Clinical studies have shown that being even moderately overweight can increase the risk for developing gallstones.

• Rapid weight loss
  When an individual goes on a crash diet or losses weight rapidly for another reason, the body metabolizes fat at a faster rate. As a result, the liver secretes more cholesterol into the bile. The increased level of cholesterol can increase the risk of developing gallstones.

• Estrogen.
  Excess estrogen from pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, or birth control pills appears to increase cholesterol levels in bile and decrease gallbladder movement, both of which can lead to gallstones.

• Ethnicity.
  Studies have shown that American Indians secrete higher levels of cholesterol in their bile, putting them at a higher risk of developing gallstones. Studies have shown that the majority of American Indian men have gallstones by age 60, and 70 percent of women have gallstones by age 30.

• Gender.
  Women are twice as likely to develop gallstones as men.

• Age.
  The chances of developing gallstones increases with age. People over age 60 are more likely to develop gallstones than younger people.

• Cholesterol-lowering drugs.
  Drugs that lower cholesterol levels in blood actually increase the amount of cholesterol secreted in bile. This in turn can increase the risk of gallstones.

• Diabetes.
  People with diabetes generally have high levels of fatty acids called triglycerides. These fatty acids increase the risk of gallstones.

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For further information on gallstones:

• What Are Gallstones?
• What Are the Symptoms of Gallstones?
• How Are Gallstones Diagnosed?
• What Is the Treatment For Gallstones?

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_{Sources:
"Common Gastrointestinal Problems - Gallstones." American College of Gastroenterology. 9 Sep 2008}

"Gallstones." American College of Gastroenterology. 9 Sep 2008

"Gallstones." NIH Publication No. 07–2897 July 2007. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). 9 Sep 2008