Which factors are most commonly associated with the risk of developing gallstones?

The factors most commonly associated with the risk of developing gallstones include being over the age of 40 and obesity. As individuals age, the composition of bile can change, leading to an increased likelihood of cholesterol crystallizing and forming gallstones. Additionally, obesity contributes to alterations in bile composition and can increase cholesterol levels in bile, thereby enhancing the risk of gallstone formation.

Individuals who are overweight often have higher levels of cholesterol in their bile, which can further predispose them to gallstone disease. Combined, age and obesity are significant risk factors in the pathophysiology of gallstones due to their impact on bile secretion and cholesterol metabolism. This understanding underlines why these factors are critical considerations in identifying individuals at risk for gallstones.