Rapid weight loss can affect gallbladder health: expert warns of risks

In addition to accelerated weight loss, other aspects contribute to the condition such as advanced age and family history

The growing use of methods and procedures to lose weight quickly has shown significant results in terms of weight reduction, but it also raises a warning: a propensity to cholelithiasis (formation of gallstones) and other hepatobiliary complications. In partnership with Biolab Farmacêutica, Dr. Luiz Turatti, an expert on the subject, explains that this is a real but often overlooked risk.

“Studies indicate that up to 15% of patients undergoing bariatrics will later need surgery to remove the gallbladder,” warns the specialist, who has a doctorate in Endocrinology from USP's School of Medicine and is director of the Type 2 Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes Department of the Brazilian Diabetes Society (SBD).

Accelerated weight loss, when there is a reduction of more than 1.5 kg per week or more than 24% of initial body weight, can significantly increase the risk of complications. In addition, factors such as female gender, advanced age, pre-existing obesity, the presence of dyslipidemia and a family history of gallstones also contribute to increasing the chances of the condition appearing. “Patients need to be warned that losing weight quickly is not without health risks. It's essential that the medical team carries out an individualized assessment and considers preventive strategies,” reinforces Dr. Turatti.

Biolab recently launched ursodeoxycholic acid (AUDC)[i] and has been shown to be effective in patients suffering from biliary disorders, with a significant reduction in the incidence of gallstones and the need for emergency surgery. “Ursodeoxycholic acid helps to reduce the saturation of bile with cholesterol, reducing the formation of stones. It's an effective, safe treatment that can prevent serious complications. However, there is still a need for clear guidelines to guide doctors and patients,” says the specialist.

According to him, without preventive protocols, there is a risk of a significant increase in complications in people who seek health, but may end up facing unplanned surgery. “What's worrying is that there are many patients without adequate follow-up and information. Knowledge is our greatest tool for avoiding serious problems,” reinforces Dr. Luiz Turatti.

An example of what has been discussed is that in 2022, the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO), in partnership with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), published guidelines [ii]which, in addition to broadening the criteria for bariatric surgery, also reinforce the importance of preventing gallbladder problems after the procedure.

Among the recommendations is the use of ursodeoxycholic acid (AUDC) orally, in doses of 500 to 600 mg a day, continuously, as it is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of gallstone formation.

“It is essential to identify those who are most at risk, closely monitor these patients and study safe ways of prevention, ensuring greater safety and health during the weight loss process,” says Dr. Turatti.

[i] https://cdn.biolabfarma.com.br/imagens/7896112409342-Bula.Pdf. Accessed on 28/10/2025.

[ii] Marchesini JC, Berti LV, Kaiser RJ. Brazilian Society of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery (SBCBM). Guidelines on cholelithiasis associated with bariatric surgery. 2018. Available at: https://d1xe7tfg0uwul9.cloudfront.net/sbcbm.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/LIZD_0053_Guideline.pdf. Accessed on: 28 Oct 2025.