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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What role does my weight play in managing my cholesterol levels?

    Related Topics
    Cardiology & Vascular Health High Cholesterol Weight Management
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  • Dr Anabela Novas

    Exercise Physiologist

    Twenty years of clinical experience, health research and publications. My strength is motivating people to be physically active, independent and healthier. Live long, enjoy life! View Profile

    We know that people with excessive weight or obesity, usually have worse lipid profiles, including lipoproteins, and these translate to higher concentrations of the bad lipoproteins, the LHL, and lower levels of HDL, which is protective against the risk of cardiovascular risk factor lipoproteins. So, managing their weight will hopefully decrease their cholesterol levels. And this is mainly due to reducing the weight, contributing for a reduction in their body fat, in particular, around the visceral area. Visceral depositing is mainly related to high cholesterol levels. The best way to do this is performing exercise. Exercise and restrictive caloric intake are effective, but without exercise, the results are not as good.

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    Kaye Haslam

    Dietitian, Nutritionist

    As a private practice Dietitian/Nutritionist with over 30 years experience I have a special interest in weight management & related health issues such as Diabetes, … View Profile

    As cholesterol is an active component of our metabolic system, being overweight can exacerbate raised serum lipids, i.e. cholesterol and triglycerides and the other components of the lipid profile. In most people, losing between 5-10Kgs, if required, can help reduce cholesterol & the whole lipid profile.

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  • Zoe Nicholson

    Dietitian

    At figureate, accredited practising dietitians Zoe Nicholson and Marlene Gojanovic will help you get off the dieting merry-go-round and show you how to change your … View Profile

    Studies have shown that even a 5% loss in body weight can help lower cholesterol. I have had many clients successfully reduce their cholesterol with just a 5kg weight loss. The changes in diet made to help reduce weight can also help to reduce cholesterol even if weight does not change. For example, increasing vegetable intake and switching to whole-grains cereals increase dietary fibre intake which helps reduce total cholesterol regardless of changes in weight. In the process of changing diet to lose weight, people usually decrease their intake of saturated fats and may increase the good fats which also helps to improve cholesterol profile. Many people also increase their exercise/physical activity when attempting to lose weight and this increases your HDL (good) cholesterol. HDL cholesterol works a bit like a vacuum cleaner helping remove excess cholesterol from cells. All in all, losing a little weight with sensible dietary changes will certainly help manage your cholesterol. 

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