Does rapid weight loss cause gallstones?

Weight loss injections are helping many women achieve their goals. But rapid weight loss can sometimes come with unexpected side effects, including gallstones. Here's what you need to know.

Weight loss injections like Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic have changed the conversation around weight loss.

For many women, they mean less food noise, a smaller appetite and renewed confidence.

But alongside the changes on the scales, some people experience side effects they weren't expecting.

One of them? Gallstones.

If you've experienced pain after eating, discomfort beneath your ribs, nausea or digestive symptoms during weight loss, you may be wondering whether the two are connected.

Let's take a closer look.

What are gallstones?

Gallstones are hardened deposits that form inside the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver.

The gallbladder stores bile, a digestive fluid that helps the body break down fats from food.

When the balance of substances within bile changes, cholesterol can begin to crystallise. Over time, those crystals can develop into gallstones.

They can be tiny, like grains of sand, or much larger. Some people have a single gallstone, while others develop several.

Interestingly, many people have gallstones without ever knowing they're there.

How do gallstones happen?

Gallstones usually develop when bile contains more cholesterol than it can keep dissolved.

When that happens, small cholesterol crystals can begin to form. Over time, those crystals can stick together and grow into gallstones.

Another factor is how often the gallbladder empties. When we eat, the gallbladder releases bile into the digestive system. If it isn't emptying regularly, bile can sit in the gallbladder for longer periods, increasing the likelihood of crystals forming.

This is where rapid weight loss enters the picture.

When the body breaks down stored fat for energy, more cholesterol is released into bile. At the same time, eating less often or consuming significantly fewer calories may mean the gallbladder isn't stimulated to empty as frequently.

Together, these changes can increase the likelihood of gallstone formation.

Does rapid weight loss cause gallstones?

Yes, rapid weight loss can cause gallstones.

It's important to note that GLP-1 medications themselves aren't necessarily the direct cause. Rather, it's the speed of weight loss and the associated reduction in food intake that can contribute to changes in the gallbladder.

When appetite is reduced, it can be tempting to eat very little. But your body still needs adequate nutrition to support normal bodily functions.

That's why many healthcare professionals recommend taking a gradual, sustainable approach to weight loss wherever possible.

Because while quick results can feel appealing, your body tends to prefer steady progress.

Rapid weight loss causes significant changes to fat metabolism, which can in some cases lead to problems with gallstones. That's why any weight loss journey requires careful choices about diet, exercise and also supervision from a medical professional. - Dr Dave Reilly, Senior Scientist

When should I contact a medical professional?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical advice promptly:

• Severe abdominal pain that doesn't improve
• Fever
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Persistent nausea or vomiting

Even if symptoms are mild, it's always worth speaking to your GP if you're concerned. Gallstones are common, and early diagnosis can help prevent complications.

How to prevent gallstones during rapid weight loss.

The goal isn't to avoid weight loss. It's to avoid losing weight too quickly.

Think of it this way: sustainable habits tend to produce sustainable results. And when it comes to supporting your health, slow and steady often wins.

1. Prioritise gradual weight loss.

A dramatic calorie deficit might seem like the fastest route to your goal, but it can place additional strain on the body.

A more moderate approach allows your body time to adapt and can support long-term success. Remember: you're building habits, not just chasing numbers on a scale.

2. Don't skip meals.

When life gets busy or your appetite disappears altogether – it can be easy to go long periods without eating.

But regular meals encourage your gallbladder to do its job. Even if you're eating smaller portions, maintaining a routine can help keep your digestive system ticking along as it should.

3. Make protein a priority.

Protein isn't just important for maintaining muscle mass. It also helps you stay fuller for longer and supports your body as it adapts to weight loss.

Aim to include a source of protein with every meal, whether that's lean meat, fish, eggs, dairy, beans or tofu. Pairing protein with fibre-rich foods can also help support digestion and overall wellbeing.

4. Stay hydrated.

It sounds simple because it is.

Staying hydrated supports overall health and digestion and is one of the easiest habits to overlook when focusing on weight loss.

Keeping a water bottle nearby can help make hydration part of your daily routine.

How can Absolute Collagen help with sustainable weight loss?

Weight loss can bring positive changes, but it can also place additional demands on your body.

At Absolute Collagen, we strongly believe your weight loss journey should not impact your health negatively. That’s where Sculpt Pro is your best-friend – the UK’s 1st precision dosed Total Support Supplement.

Sculpt Pro has been developed by leading experts to support you on your weight loss journey, providing the benefits of 18 supplements in just 1 formula:

• 8000mg collagen & vitamin C to boost skin elasticity and hair growth
• Hyaluronic acid & electrolytes to maintain hydration and glow
• Probiotics & fibre to support gut function and digestion
• Creatine & BCAAs to improve muscle tone and energy levels
• Magnesium & vitamin D3 to aid relaxation, quality sleep, and bone health
• B vitamins to boost energy, mood and vision health

When taken twice a day, the targeted nutrients may help prevent all the harder side effects of a calorie deficit like hair loss, loose skin, weak nails and fatigue to name few.

Sculpt Pro isn’t a replacement for food, and it’s not intended to do the heavy lifting on its own. Instead, it’s designed to support your diet, helping you stay consistent, nourished, and supported as your body adapts.

Explore our blog for more expert insight on rapid weight loss, such as how weight loss injections work, or head over to our Success Stories page for real-life testimonials from our happy Absoluters.