I last 35lbs last year on a low fat diet.Walked every blessed day on the treadmill and when I had my chlosteral levels taken again they were HIGHER than before I lost the weight.So discouraged that I racked those pounds up again, plus some.I have heard that Low Carb diets will help lower these levels.Anyone know that for sure??

Welcome, jw1966.

As a rule, low carb-high fat diets greatly reduce triglycerides and lower the risk ratio (total/HDL). The total cholesterol number, by itself, doesn't really say much and most dr's know this now.

My total number hasn't changed much (200-220), but my risk ratio (formerly 5 plus) is now 2.3. One aims at 4 or less.

Check out the research section on this site. The button is in the banner at the top of this page.

Meantime, make yourself at home.

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Many people here have lowered there cholesterol levels. So I know they will chime in and they will probably ask you what your risk ratio is because that is the most important factor .. not just the individual numbers. The way I understand it is that the body needs more protien and fats (the right kinds.. like you get from LC eating) for the cholesterol to attach it's self to so that your body is able to get rid of them. With low fat diets your not getting the protien and fats to do that with. There has been very few people that I have seen that have not lowerd there levels with this.. how ever gentics can/does play a part in it.

If I were you I guess I would take on the attitude that Low fat didn't lower it (raised it in fact) then what is Low carb going to hurt? Just make sure you have a doctor that is properly informed and up to date with current studies to follow you through since you already have high cholesterol.

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"A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on."
- Sir Winston Churchill

Tanya
Way of Life since Jan 2003!
My current stats are: 258/237/130

I don't know who posted this originally, but check out this cool link.

http://www.totalhealthdynamics.com/cholesterol.htm

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keep on keepin on

211/165/170

Mine lowered quite a bit..... i have the results posted on my web site
I dont know the exact URL off hand, but click the link below

(granted, i havent had them done in a few years... but i was very happy with the results)

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My LC web site
LCE Member since 2000

JW1966!
Come along!! You will feel better than any low fat diet could do for you. I have tried low fat diets and any diet works if you stick with it. But, the energy on this diet will let YOU know that you are healthy. You will feel it.
I would give it a try and see what happens. I know people that were able to go off of their high blood pressure med's because of low carb. I know people that are no longer a diabetic (typeII they had) after Atkins! me personally...I suffer so badly from allergies at times I can't breathe.....My symptoms have been cut into half of what they were!!! In just 10 days of the diet!!!

It is worth a try. pssstt..you won't have to walk your butt of to lose weight either. Not that walking isn't encouraged. Walk! Walk!! Just reading what you wrote you don't sound all that thrilled about the walking everyday thing.
Keep Us posted with what you choose to do.