A woman in Anyang, Henan province, China, was diagnosed with severe acute cholecystitis after drastically restricting her food intake in an attempt to lose weight quickly.
The woman, identified as Ms Zhou, said she began dieting in mid-September to improve her appearance before opening her shop.
“I planned to lose 7.5kg in half a month. To achieve that goal, I ate only one vegetable bun every morning and drank water whenever I felt hungry,” she said.
After following the extreme diet for seven days, Zhou lost 4.5kg but subsequently developed a serious gallbladder condition that required surgery.
According to Zhou, her doctor asked whether she regularly skipped breakfast, ate irregularly, consumed high-fat foods or had been dieting excessively, explaining that these factors could be associated with the onset of cholecystitis.
Reflecting on her experience, Zhou expressed regret over her drastic approach to weight loss.
How Can Extreme Dieting Affect The Gallbladder?
The gallbladder stores bile, which is released into the digestive tract after eating to help break down fats.
Going for prolonged periods without eating can reduce gallbladder emptying. Rapid weight loss and very low-calorie diets can also increase the risk of gallstones, which may irritate or obstruct the gallbladder and lead to inflammation.
Symptoms of cholecystitis can include pain in the upper right abdomen and may require urgent medical attention.
Health experts advise against extreme food restriction and prolonged fasting as weight-loss strategies, recommending regular, balanced meals instead.
Experts Urge A More Balanced Approach To Weight Management
Ding Limin, deputy director of the Clinical Nutrition Department at the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, said effective weight management involves more than simply eating less and exercising more.
She highlighted several important considerations:
1. Food quality matters as much as quantity
Rather than drastically reducing food intake, people should prioritise balanced meals containing protein, fibre and healthy fats.
Protein-rich foods such as chicken, fish, eggs and soy products can help maintain muscle mass and promote fullness.
Fibre-rich options, including oats, brown rice, vegetables and fruit, support digestion and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
Healthy fat sources such as avocados, nuts and olive oil can also form part of a balanced diet when consumed in appropriate amounts.
2. Exercise offers benefits beyond burning calories
Physical activity supports weight management in several ways. Strength training helps maintain or build muscle, while regular exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and help the body use glucose more effectively.
Different activities can suit different lifestyles and fitness levels. Office workers may benefit from short walks or stretching breaks, while students can incorporate simple movements such as squats into their routines.
Older adults may prefer lower-impact activities, including walking and tai chi, to support mobility and fitness.
Experts stress that sustainable weight management should focus on balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and healthy long-term habits rather than rapid weight loss through extreme dieting.
