Cholesterol is in every cell in our bodies helping to build healthy cells and hormones. That is why we classify it as good (HDL) cholesterol or bad (LDL) cholesterol. What is termed high cholesterol is really an imbalance in the ratios – not enough good and too much bad.

The most harmful thing about obesity is the way excess weight in the body throws all our systems out of sync. This is why body mass index (BMI) is a more effective measure of obesity than simply weight alone. Scientists and researchers have discovered at what percentage of body fat the body systems start to go off-kilter. Those measurements are what doctors define as overweight or obese.

People who suffer from obesity tend to have high cholesterol for several reasons. First, they may be eating foods high in fat or saturated fat, which raises the amount of cholesterol in the blood. Another risk factor for high cholesterol is if you carry extra fat around your waist, which can be determined by taking a ratio of your hip-to-waist measurement.

High cholesterol is dangerous in that there are no symptoms to alert you that you may have fatty deposits building up in your blood vessels and affecting circulation. A blood test is the only way you can tell whether you have high cholesterol. Getting your BMI under 30, exercising regularly and eating a diet low in saturated fats can all help bring your levels of HDL and LDL cholesterol back into balance. And, weight loss surgery may be the best treatment option to help you get back on track.

For more information on how weight loss surgery in Decatur, TX, can help you overcome obesity and achieve healthy cholesterol levels, call Obesity Health Solutions toll-free at 866-980-8598. We look forward to being a part of your success!