Comparative Analysis of Body Mass Index and Its Relationship with the Incidence of Cholelithiasis

Gallstone disease (GSD) represents a significant and growing global health concern, closely paralleling the rising prevalence of obesity. The interplay between excess adiposity and hepatobiliary physiology has been increasingly recognized as central to the pathogenesis of cholelithiasis. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and the prevalence of gallstone disease among adults undergoing abdominal ultrasonography in a tertiary care setting.

A comparative cross-sectional design was employed, including 400 adult patients aged 18–65 years. Anthropometric measurements were recorded and BMI was calculated using standard World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Participants were stratified into underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese categories. Ultrasonographic evaluation was utilized to detect the presence of gallstones. Statistical analysis included chi-square testing and estimation of odds ratios, with a p-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant.

The overall prevalence of cholelithiasis in the study population was 32.5%. A clear and progressive increase in gallstone prevalence was observed across ascending BMI categories, ranging from 12.5% in underweight individuals to 66.7% among obese participants. The association between BMI and gallstone disease was found to be highly significant (p < 0.001). The magnitude of risk demonstrated a dose-dependent relationship, with obese individuals exhibiting more than sixfold increased risk compared to individuals with normal BMI.

In conclusion, elevated BMI is strongly associated with gallstone disease, reinforcing obesity as a critical modifiable risk factor. These findings underscore the importance of preventive strategies targeting weight reduction to mitigate the burden of cholelithiasis.