Gallstones Formation in Obese Dieters
The principal aim of this weight loss study
was to evaluate the long term effects of two very low calorie diets differing
in fat content on gallbladder emptying and gallstone formation in obese
subjects.
Weight Loss Study Results
Twenty-two (69 percent) subjects concluded the study, eleven in each group,
and a significant weight loss was achieved by all subjects. Gallstones
(asymptomatic) developed in 6/11 (54.5 percent) of subjects following
the lower fat diet, but in none with the higher fat regimen. In the dieters
during the first three months (very low calorie phase) the higher fat
meals always induced a significantly greater gallbladder emptying than
the lower fat meals. The cholesterol saturation index initially increased
significantly and then decreased, without difference between the two groups.
Weight Loss Study Conclusion
In the obese during rapid weight loss from a very low calorie diet, a
relatively high fat intake could prevent gallstone formation, probably
by maintaining an adequate gallbladder emptying, which could counterbalance
lithogenic mechanisms acting during weight loss.
Source: Festi D, Colecchia A, Orsini M,
Sangermano A, Sottili S, Simoni P, Mazzella G, Villanova N, Bazzoli F,
Lapenna D, Petroni ML, Pavesi S, Neri M, Roda E. Department of Medicine
and Aging, University G D'Annunzio Chieti, Italy. 1998
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