Hernia development is more common in pregnancy due to hormonally induced laxity of pelvic ligaments. It is also more common in elderly people due to degenerative weak- ness of muscles and fibrous tissue. A recent Swedish report has shown that inguinal hernia is less common in obese patients, with hernia risk being negatively related to body mass index (BMI), contrary to widespread belief. Hernia is more common in smokers.