Child Gallbladder Disease Linked to Obesity

Most U.S. children who develop gallbladder disease are overweight or obese, a new study suggests. In the past, the disease was less common. It also was more closely linked to blood diseases such as sickle cell. But the number of children needing gallbladder removal is up sharply. So researchers from Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston took a closer look. They reviewed 404 gallbladder removals that were done at the hospital from 2005 through most of 2008. The patients’ average age was 13. About 23% had a blood disease. But even more cases were linked with excess weight. Among the children who did not have a blood disease, 35% were obese and 18% were severely obese. Another 16% were overweight but not obese. Children having surgery were also more likely to be teenagers or Hispanic. Obesity increases the risk of gallbladder disease in adults as well.