Obesity Risk: High Cholesterol

Last updated 3 months ago

Pursuing a surgical or non-surgical weight loss solution is more than a cosmetic choice. Obesity, defined as having a body mass index of 30 or higher, is a contributing factor in a number of diseases and severe complications. These risks can be decreased by slimming down and adapting healthier lifestyle choices. The following article will discuss how obesity relates to high cholesterol and what you can do about it.

What is Cholesterol?
Every cell in your body contains cholesterol. It’s a wavy, fat-like substance that works to make hormones, vitamin D, and to help your digestive process. Your body makes enough cholesterol on its own to handle this job, but the foods you eat contain cholesterol, too. When you consume too much cholesterol, your body becomes oversaturated, which causes a wide range of problems.

Causes
At least one in three American adults is obese, meaning they have too much body fat. Excess fat makes it more difficult for your blood to circulate and for you to maintain proper fluid levels in your body. Saturated fats and a sedentary lifestyle—two common causes of obesity—also increase your cholesterol. High cholesterol can lead to heart disease because the excess cholesterol can develop into plaque that clogs arteries.

Solutions
The best way to reduce your cholesterol level is through a proper diet and exercise program. Surgical weight-loss procedures can be a great start to eliminating body fat, but adapting a healthier lifestyle should be your ultimate goal to gain control of your cholesterol. Overcoming obesity is possible with the right solution.

If you’re ready to commit to a healthier lifestyle, contact SSM Weight-Loss Institute. We offer enhanced bariatric surgery options and medically supervised diet and exercise programs to help bolster your wellbeing. For more information on our services or to schedule a consultation, call (314) 266-4206.