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 like The New You Plan, some people may notice a temporary rise in their total cholesterol levels. This can feel concerning, but it is important to understand how cholesterol works — and why these changes are often a normal part of your weight loss journey.

🔬 How Cholesterol Is Measured
A standard blood test will usually check the following:

• Total Cholesterol – The overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including both LDL and HDL. Ideally, this should be below 5.
• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) – Often called ‘bad cholesterol’, high levels can lead to a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.
• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) – Known as ‘good cholesterol’, it helps remove LDL from the bloodstream, supporting heart health.
• Total Cholesterol to HDL Ratio – The lower the ratio, the better. Ideally, this should be under 6.

📉 Why Cholesterol Might Fluctuate on a VLCD
Studies have shown that total cholesterol levels generally decrease when following a VLCD, especially in people with conditions like type 2 diabetes (Sellehewa et al., 2017).

However, during the active weight loss phase, you may notice:

• A temporary drop in HDL (good cholesterol)
• A slight rise in total cholesterol due to the lower HDL levels

Since HDL plays a key role in transporting excess cholesterol to the liver, a dip in HDL can result in the body retaining more cholesterol temporarily.

📆 What to Expect Over Time

During early weight loss:

• HDL may decrease
• Total cholesterol may rise slightly

During maintenance and beyond:

• HDL usually improves
• Total cholesterol tends to decrease and move into a healthier range

These changes are part of your body adjusting to weight loss and do not typically indicate a long-term problem.

💡 The Takeaway
A brief rise in total cholesterol during the early stages of your plan is usually temporary and expected. As your weight stabilises and your body adjusts, cholesterol levels often improve naturally.

🩺 When to Seek Medical Advice
If you have a history of high cholesterol, heart conditions, or any concerns about your blood test results:

• Speak with your GP or healthcare provider
• Regular monitoring is recommended to track your progress and ensure your heart health remains on track

💬 Need Support?
Our team is here to support your health and well-being on every step of your journey.

📧 Email us: [email protected]
📞 Call us: 028 3833 0720

Your transformation is about more than weight loss — it's about building long-term health and confidence. 💛