Obesity and the Risk of Gallstones: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Cholelithiasis, one of the most common gallbladder disorders affecting millions globally, is increasing largely due to the increasing prevalence of obesity. This study explores the pattern of BMI groups among cholelithiasis cases in a tertiary care centre in Nepal.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in the Department of General Surgery of Nepal Armed Police Force Hospital, Kathmandu. A total of 395 patients were included in the study. Data of adult patients with cholelithiasis visiting Surgery OPD from January 2023 to December 2024 were taken. Height and weight of the subjects were recorded, along with age and other parameters. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and categorized according to the World Health Organization.

Results: The mean age of the total participants was 41.35 ± 16 years. Only 22.78 % of patients had a BMI of more than 30. Most of the patients were in the overweight category (having a BMI of 25-29.9). The number of patients either overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25) was 243 (61.51 %) as compared to 152 (38.49%) who were either underweight or normal (BMI < 25).

Conclusions: Cholelithiasis was found to be common among population with either "overweight or obese", as compared to the 'normal or underweight individuals'.