Gallstones Linked to "Gut" Circumference

Nutrition News Flash

-- By Becky Hand, Licensed & Registered Dietitian

Anyone who has experienced gallstones is familiar with the accompanying pain and discomfort. Gallstones are crystallized clumps of cholesterol that form in the gallbladder. After eating, one usually experiences symptoms such as indigestion, bloating and abdominal pain. A recent study found out that adult men:

• with a 37-38 inch waist circumference had a 40% higher risk of getting gallstones
• with a 39 inch waist circumference, had an 80% higher chance of getting gallstones and
• with a waist circumference was 40 inches or more doubled their risk of getting gallstones.

The abdominal fat in the waist area is thought to be more metabolically active than fat distributed in the lower body areas. It releases greater amounts of substances like fatty acids and hormones.

Action Sparked
Men, take out the tape measure and do a quick circumference measurement of your waist. Shedding a few pounds and dropping a few inches can do wonders for your health, including your gallbladder.

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