Primary prevention
Inguinal hernia formation is mainly associated with nonmodifiable patient factors. Smoking is often considered the only modifiable risk factor; therefore, smoking cessation is recommended to prevent inguinal hernia formation (including recurrence).[2][36][37][38] Contrary to common belief, heavy lifting generally does not predispose to hernia formation, but it does call attention to an existing hernia. Obesity is not a predisposing factor for inguinal hernia, unlike other abdominal wall hernias.[12]
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