The Egyptian Society for Blood Transfusion Services
Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver and found in the blood. The body needs it to build healthy cells and form various hormones. It can be obtained through the foods we eat. There are two main types of cholesterol:
Bad, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the good cholesterol.
Elevation of the first type leads to health diseases such as heart disease due to its deposition in the arteries, while the second type reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
It is worth noting that high cholesterol affects people of different weights, but does cholesterol increase?
the weight? Here's the following:
● The relationship between cholesterol and weight. To answer the question, does cholesterol increase weight, it is necessary to know the relationship between weight and cholesterol:
Being overweight is a factor that increases the risk of high blood cholesterol, by increasing the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lowering the good, high-density lipoprotein type.
Being overweight or obese affects the way the body produces lipoproteins, which leads to an increase in the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, and thus an increase in adipose tissue in the body. This indicates that being overweight is a cause that helps to raise the level of cholesterol in the blood and not the other way around.
On the other hand, it should be noted that losing weight and increasing physical activity contribute to lowering cholesterol levels
Due to their role in reducing the amount of fat in the body, thus enhancing its ability to regulate hormones and lipoproteins.
● Common misconceptions about cholesterol, after clarifying the relationship between cholesterol and weight, and answering the question: Does cholesterol cause weight gain? It is now necessary to unpack and clarify some of the misconceptions about cholesterol. We mention some of them for you:
1. Thin people do not have high cholesterol
There is no specific relationship between low weight and high cholesterol in the blood. A skinny person may also be affected by cholesterol and may have an elevated level. To be sure, it is worth checking the level of cholesterol in the blood regularly, regardless of weight, physical activity, or the diet followed.
2. Diet and physical activity determine the level
cholesterol
It is normal for a healthy diet and regular physical activity to affect the level of cholesterol in the blood, but this does not mean preventing its rise. It is important to maintain the health of the body
3. Taking cholesterol medications obviates the need for lifestyle changes
It is very important to take the prescribed medication and follow the doctor's instructions exactly, as medications help control the level of cholesterol, but on the other hand, changing the diet and sedentary lifestyle is one of the best ways to reduce cholesterol in the blood and avoid heart disease and stroke.