JAKARTA - Many people believe that only those who are fat are at risk of having high cholesterol. But in reality, people with thin bodies can also experience an increase in cholesterol levels. The assumption that a slim body is always synonymous with a healthy body is a myth that can be misleading.
Reporting from the Vinmec page on Saturday, June 21, cholesterol is fat that is naturally produced by the body and obtained from food consumed. Cholesterol is divided into two main types, namely LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) or bad cholesterol and HDL (High-Density Lipopprotein) or good cholesterol.
High cholesterol levels, especially LDL can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure, no matter whether you are fat or thin.
Some of the factors that cause high cholesterol in thin people include:
- High diet of saturated fat and cholesterol (for example fast food, fried foods, jeroan)
- Lack of physical activity or a consistent lifestyle
- Habits of smoking and alcohol consumption
- Derivative factors (genetics)
- chronic stress
- Metabolic disease or liver function disorders
High Cholesterol Symptoms To Watch Out For
High cholesterol often shows no special symptoms. However, in some cases, there are signs that could indicate your cholesterol levels are abnormal, such as:
- Tired quickly and easily sleepy, even after getting enough sleep
- Chest pain or sensation under pressure on the chest
- Frequent tingling, especially in the hands and feet
- Xanthelastama (a yellowing drop around the eyelids due to cholesterol buildup)
- Shortness of breath or shortness of breath during light activities
- High blood pressure
- Feet or hands feel cold due to blood circulation disturbed
But it should be underlined, the only most accurate way to know cholesterol levels is to do regular blood tests.
Reasons Thin People Can Get High Cholesterol
Thin people often feel safe and don't really care about their diet or lifestyle because they feel they are not at risk. In fact, high cholesterol is very likely to happen to thin people if:
- Consumption of bad fat is more than healthy fat
- Relying on instant food and lack of consumption of vegetables and fruit
- Never exercise or rarely move
- Has a family history with high cholesterol
- Suffering from certain diseases that affect fat metabolism
In short, weight is not the only indicator of heart health or cholesterol levels.
If you are thin and want to prevent or lower cholesterol levels, here are the recommended steps:
1. Check cholesterol levels regularly, especially when you are over 20 years old.
2. Improve the diet by:
- Reduce the consumption of fried foods, fatty meats, and fast foods,
- Expand the fiber of vegetables, fruit, and seeds
- Choose healthy fats such as olive oil, fatty fish (salmons, tuna), and avocado
- Active move and exercise regularly at least 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Manage stress through relaxation, getting enough sleep, and positive activities
- If necessary, consult a doctor for further treatment, including considerations for the use of cholesterol reduction drugs
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