Points to Remember About Gallstones

Gallstone Facts and Statistics

• Gallstones affect approximately one in ten Americans, and are associated with approximately 3,000 deaths annually.
• More than 800,000 hospitalizations each year are caused by gallstones that are large enough to cause significant pain.
• Over 500,000 people undergo surgery for gallstones annually.
• Obesity is one of the strongest risk factors for gallstones.
• Rapid weight loss diets significantly increase the risk for gallstones.  

_Source:

_{Gallbladder Disease. MedlinePlus. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001138.htm. Accessed 08/26/09.}

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