Doctors Reveal the Time Needed to Lower Cholesterol

JAKARTA - To lower cholesterol, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise are very influential. These changes are not immediately visible in blood test results, but the body has begun to adapt in a matter of days.

Citing Men's Health, on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, cholesterol reduction usually occurs within 3 to 12 weeks, depending on the method used. Doctors emphasize that a combination of a healthy diet and exercise helps provide optimal results in cholesterol reduction.

"The right steps, including a healthy lifestyle, get you on the right track in a few days," said chief cardiologist and interventional cardiologist, Tariqshah Syed.

With these lifestyle changes, the initial changes that occur are in the way the heart manages cholesterol, even before it is seen in the results of blood tests.

Implementing a healthy diet such as reducing saturated fat, limiting ultra-processed foods, and increasing the intake of soluble fiber is the main step.

Soluble fiber found in whole grains, nuts, and fruit can help reduce cholesterol absorption in the body. Eating patterns such as the Mediterranean and DASH diets can also help lower cholesterol and support long-term heart health.

In addition to implementing a healthy diet, exercise also plays an important role in lowering cholesterol. Physical exercise alone can provide changes in 3 to 12 weeks.

Exercise can help increase HDL levels or good cholesterol, which serves to clean bad cholesterol from the bloodstream. If done consistently, especially combined with cardio and strength training, then improvements in cholesterol levels can be seen faster, namely 4 to 8 weeks.

"It is important to emphasize that a persistent healthy lifestyle produces the best results," concluded Dr. Syed.