The gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver, plays a vital role in digestion by storing and releasing bile, which helps break down fats. While often overlooked, the gallbladder can develop problems like gallstones, inflammation (cholecystitis), or even infections that can significantly impact a person’s health. Understanding who is at risk of gallbladder disease is crucial for early prevention and timely treatment.
Which People are at a Higher Risk of Gallbladder Disease?
Here are the key groups more likely to develop gallbladder issues, as explained by Dr Amita Jain, a leading laparoscopic surgeon and one of the best surgeons for gallbladder treatments in India.
1. Women – Women, especially those aged 20 to 60, are more prone to gallstones due to hormonal factors like estrogen. Pregnancy, birth control pills, and hormone replacement therapy can increase bile cholesterol, leading to gallstones.
2. People Over Age 40 – The risk of gallbladder disease increases with age, particularly after 40, due to slower bile movement and changes in metabolism.
3. Individuals with a Family History – Genetics play a role. If gallbladder disease runs in the family, your risk is higher.
4. People Who Are Overweight or Obese – Obesity increases cholesterol in bile, a major factor in gallstone formation. Rapid weight gain also stresses the gallbladder.
5. Those on Rapid Weight-Loss Diets or Fasting – Crash diets or long fasting periods can cause the liver to release extra cholesterol into the bile, increasing gallstone risk.
6. People with Diabetes – High insulin levels can lead to higher cholesterol levels in bile, increasing the chance of gallstone formation.
7. Individuals with Certain Medical Conditions – Liver disease, hemolytic anaemia, and Crohn’s disease can all elevate the risk of gallbladder problems.
8. People with a Sedentary Lifestyle – Lack of physical activity may contribute to obesity and slower digestion, both of which are linked to gallbladder disease.
Dr Amita Jain is one of India’s most distinguished and experienced senior surgeons who has conducted more than 1,00,000 successful surgeries, and has covered a wide spectrum of general and minimally invasive procedures. Dr Amita Jain is refered as the pioneer surgeon in the fields of Gallbladder stone removal surgery, appendix removal surgery, hernia repair surgery, Pilonidal Sinus treatments, varicose vein and piles surgery, fistula surgery and fissure surgeries.
With an outstanding career spanning over 29 years, Dr Amita Jain has earned her place among the top General and Laparoscopic surgeons in Delhi and India, known for her precision, compassion, and consistent surgical excellence. She was the Professor of Surgery at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt. In 1994, she was commissioned as a surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo.
Dr Amita Jain currently serves as the Head of Department and Senior Consultant for General, Laparoscopic and Trauma Surgery at Artemis Lite Hospital, Rosewalk – Luxury Maternity Hospital in Delhi (Panchsheel Park, Delhi) and Rainbow Children Hospitals (Malviya Nagar, Delhi).