Long-term weight patterns and physical activity in gallstones.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Gallstones are influenced by obesity, rapid weight loss, and inactivity.
• Long-term weight pattern effects and physical activity's role in gallstone risk require further population-level study.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between long-term weight patterns (gain, loss, cycling) and physical activity with gallstone risk.
• To analyze how these associations vary by sex and age.

Main Methods:

• A large cohort of 5,062,154 subjects from Korea's health database was analyzed (2002-2018).
• Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated for weight patterns and physical activity, adjusting for covariates like BMI and diabetes.
• Subgroup analyses were conducted by sex and age (<45 and ≥45 years).

Main Results:

• All weight change groups showed increased gallstone risk: >20% weight loss (HR 1.32), >20% weight gain (HR 1.13), weight cycling (HR 1.04), 5-20% weight gain (HR 1.03), and 5-20% weight loss (HR 1.02).
• Risk varied by BMI category, sex, and age, with males and older individuals more susceptible to weight loss risks, and females and younger individuals to weight gain risks.
• Regular physical activity significantly reduced gallstone risk in individuals with weight changes, particularly those with >20% weight gain (61% reduction).

Conclusions:

• Weight gain, loss, and cycling are associated with increased gallstone risk.
• Regular physical activity can effectively mitigate gallstone risks associated with weight fluctuations.
• The impact of weight patterns on gallstone risk is modulated by sex and age.