What's wrong with losing weight and getting high cholesterol instead

Elevated cholesterol levels after weight loss may be related to imbalanced dietary structure, abnormal rapid fat loss metabolism, improper exercise methods, genetic factors, and drug effects. Cholesterol abnormalities should be judged by combining the four tests of blood lipids. It is recommended to seek medical attention to investigate pathological factors such as hypothyroidism and familial hypercholesterolemia.

1. Imbalance in dietary structure

Excessive restriction of calorie intake may lead to insufficient protein and healthy fat intake, and some individuals may compensate for the energy gap by increasing refined carbohydrates. Foods with high glycemic index may stimulate the liver to synthesize more low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and may also lack the adsorption effect of dietary fiber on cholesterol. Deliberate avoidance of high-quality fats such as nuts and deep-sea fish can also affect high-density lipoprotein levels.

2. Rapid Fat Loss Metabolism Abnormality

When weight loss is too rapid in the short term, free fatty acids released by the breakdown of adipose tissue will be converted into very low-density lipoprotein in the liver. This temporary increase in cholesterol is common in the early stages of ketogenic diet. If it persists for more than three months and does not fall back, one should be alert to metabolic maladjustment, which may be accompanied by abnormal liver enzymes.

3. Improper exercise style

Only engaging in long-term low-intensity aerobic exercise may reduce high-density lipoprotein, while lacking resistance training makes it difficult to maintain muscle mass. Muscle loss can lead to a decrease in basal metabolism and affect lipoprotein lipase activity. High intensity interval training is more conducive to improving cholesterol metabolism profile.

4. Genetic factors affecting

Familial hypercholesterolemia patients may be more prone to abnormalities after weight loss, and LDL receptor dysfunction in this population can lead to cholesterol clearance disorders. Genetic testing can detect mutations in genes such as APOB and PCSK9, which require drug therapy intervention.

5. Drug and disease interference

Some weight loss adjunctive drugs may interfere with lipid metabolism, and hypothyroidism is a common secondary cause. This type of situation is usually accompanied by an increase in TSH and a decrease in free T4, and requires thyroid ultrasound examination. The patients with pre diabetes may also have abnormal lipid deterioration when they lose weight.

It is recommended to conduct a complete blood lipid profile test and record dietary logs, with a focus on observing the ratio of low-density lipoprotein to high-density lipoprotein. Adjust the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in the diet and maintain 150 minutes of moderate to high-intensity exercise combined with strength training every week. For individuals with persistent abnormalities, potential metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance and polycystic ovary syndrome should be investigated, and statins should be used under the guidance of a doctor if necessary. Regularly monitor weight changes and body fat percentage to avoid using unscientific weight loss methods such as extreme dieting.