Understanding Cholesterol Changes During The New You PlanUpdated a month ago

Understanding Cholesterol Changes During a Very Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD)

When starting a Very Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD) like The New You Plan, some people may notice a rise in their total cholesterol levels, which can be concerning. However, it’s important to understand how cholesterol works and why this fluctuation might happen during weight loss.

How Cholesterol is Measured
A typical blood test measures:

• Total Cholesterol – The combined amount of LDL and HDL cholesterol. Doctors generally recommend keeping this below 5.
• LDL ('Bad' Cholesterol) – Can cause fatty deposits to build up in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.
• HDL ('Good' Cholesterol) – Helps remove LDL from the bloodstream, promoting better heart health. The total cholesterol to HDL ratio should be as low as possible, ideally under 6.

Why Cholesterol Levels Might Fluctuate on a VLCD
A systematic review of VLCDs in people with diabetes (Sellehewa et al., 2017) found that total cholesterol levels typically decrease with the diet. However, HDL (good cholesterol) may temporarily decrease during the active weight loss phase.

Since HDL plays a key role in transporting excess cholesterol to the liver for removal, a temporary drop in HDL levels can lead to the body retaining more cholesterol, causing a short-term rise in total cholesterol.

What to Expect Over Time

• Early in the weight loss phase – HDL levels may drop, leading to a temporary increase in total cholesterol.
• During maintenance – As the body stabilises, HDL levels typically improve, and total cholesterol levels tend to decrease, moving closer to the desired healthy range.

The Takeaway
While a rise in total cholesterol during the early stages of a VLCD might seem concerning, it is often temporary and related to changes in HDL levels. Over time, as weight stabilises, cholesterol levels generally improve.

If you have concerns about your cholesterol levels, it's always best to consult your doctor to monitor your progress and ensure you're on track for optimal health.