Gallstones represent a sizeable problem for the health care system in both developed and developing countries alike. It results from a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Obesity, female gender, increasing age, multiparity, rapid weight loss, pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives, high fat diet are among the many risk factors associated with gall stone disease. The study was conducted on 120 patients with clinical features suggestive of cholecystitis and cholelithiasis confirmed by ultrasonogram and who underwent cholecystectomy. Study groups were divided into obese and non-obese subjects on the basis of their Body Mass Index (BMI). A detailed history, clinical examination and investigation of the patients admitted with features suggestive of cholecystitis and cholelithiasis was taken and compared between the obese and the non obese. Out of the 120 subjects 46 (38%) were obese. F:M=3.2:1. Obese patients had higher cholesterol, TG and LDL levels with more number of subjects following a non vegetarian diet. Cholesterol stones were the most common. Obese patients develop gall stones at a relatively early age with more troublesome symptoms and greater complication rates. Higher levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol seen in the obese are associated with higher incidence of gall stone disease. Obese patients also seem to be having a greater risk of developing into malignancy.
