14 Causes & Triggers of Gallstones You Shouldn’t Ignore (List)

Rapid Weight Loss

Those who try to lose a significant amount of weight too quickly are more susceptible to developing gallstones. Experts consider them one of the most significant health complications for voluntary weight loss. Extremely low-calorie diets are generally characterized as containing eight hundred calories daily, usually constituting food in the form of liquid taken for prolonged periods of twelve to sixteen weeks. 

Often, the developing gallstones in people on these types of diets tend to be silent, meaning they don’t present noticeable symptoms. However, some studies found them to be at an elevated risk of gallstones requiring cholecystectomy or hospitalization. The condition is also relatively common in obese and overweight patients who try rapid weight loss programs after gastric bypass procedures. 

Moreover, there are other possible health concerns in rapidly losing too much weight in such a short time. Side effects include gout, fatigue, constipation, dehydration, malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, menstrual irregularities, muscle loss, hair loss, and diarrhea, which can all lead to severe complications. Moreover, it’s easier to gain back weight with this approach quickly. For this reason, it’s best to avoid these methods as they’ll never be a replacement for regular exercise and a healthy diet.