Risk Factors for Gallstones

Risk factors for gallstones include obesity, which can lead to increased cholesterol in bile; a high-fat or high-cholesterol diet; rapid weight loss; certain medical conditions like diabetes; and pregnancy, which changes hormone levels. Family history, age (more common after 40), and being female also increase risk. Additionally, conditions that affect bile flow or cause inflammation can contribute. These factors can alter the balance of substances in your bile, making gallstones more likely to form in the gallbladder.