Diet cycling may be a risk factor for gallstones. Diet cycling is when people repeatedly gain and lose weight. It is one of the main problems with dieting, starting and stopping. This cyclic dieting, especially with losses and gains of more than 10 pounds, has shown to increase the risk for gallstone development.

Why gallstones develop more frequently in people who engage in cyclic dieting is still unclear. But, it is believed that the rise in cholesterol may be responsible. It is also believed that with each cycle the risk of gallstones increases.

This is just another reason why dieting doesn’t work. The best way to lose weight is with permanent life-style changes.