Behaviors That Increase Your Risk for High Cholesterol

Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for high cholesterol.

Your lifestyle choices can increase your risk for high cholesterol. To reduce your risk, your doctor may recommend changes to your lifestyle.

The good news is that healthy behaviors can lower your risk for high cholesterol.

Unhealthy Diet

Diets high in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol have been linked to high cholesterol and related conditions, such as heart disease.

Physical Inactivity

Not getting enough physical activity can make you gain weight, which can lead to high cholesterol.

Obesity

Obesity is excess body fat. Obesity is linked to higher triglycerides and higher "bad" cholesterol levels, and lower "good" cholesterol levels. In addition to high cholesterol, obesity can also lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Talk to your health care team about a plan to reduce your weight to a healthy level.