Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.

This week on Healthwatch, we're going to talk about weight and your health. You've probably heard a lot about the various risks associated with being overweight, including high blood pressure, diabetes and some forms of cancer. Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center say there are other dangers associated with excess weight.

Maintaining a healthy weight may be one way to reduce your risk for developing gallstones. Gallstones can be excruciatingly painful, and they affect millions of Americans. Dr. Jay Horton, an expert in digestive diseases at UT Southwestern, says that while there isn't a consensus on the impact of diet on gallstones, it is clear that obesity increases the risk for gallstones among all populations. Diets rich in refined sugar and saturated fats may increase the chances of developing gallstones.

###

^{July 2005}

Health Watch is heard Monday through Friday nationwide on the "Stardust" format of ABC Satellite Radio. Call your local radio station and ask if they carry the program.