Weight lossHeart healthHigh cholesterol

8 ways to lose weight and improve cholesterol

Losing weight can improve your cholesterol levels and help prevent heart problems.


LearnHeartHeart health8 ways to lose weight and improve cholesterol
Eat foods you love
Don't skip breakfast
Manage stress
Seek health-minded friends
Restock your kitchen
Sleep well
Get moving
Keep a journal

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Did you know that being overweight tends to increase your cholesterol? Having a higher percentage of body fat—especially around your waistline—can raise levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides and reduce levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol). The good news is that losing weight may improve your cholesterol numbers, which can help prevent heart problems down the road. Sound like a win-win? Here are simple ideas on how to lose weight to benefit your health.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Preventi... + 10
  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing High Cholesterol. September 8, 2026.
  2. American Heart Association. Fats in Foods. January 9, 2026.
  3. American Heart Association. Portion Size Versus Serving Size. December 18, 2023.
  4. Cleveland Clinic. How to Build a Healthy Breakfast for Weight Loss. July 28, 2020.
  5. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Healthy Breakfasts. Accessed October 6, 2026.
  6. American Psychiatric Association. How Stress Affects Eating Habits: Not One-Size-Fits-All. June 11, 2025.
  7. Mayo Clinic Diet. Social Support: A Necessity for Weight Loss. November 23, 2021.
  8. Harvard Health Publishing. Reorganize Your Kitchen: 6 Hacks to Help You Lose Weight and Keep It Off. August 26, 2024.
  9. Brown University Health. Sleep, Obesity and How They Are Related. January 18, 2022.
  10. Cleveland Clinic. Does Exercise Lower Cholesterol? May 22, 2026.
  11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Steps for Losing Weight. January 17, 2025.
Written by Michael Gollust.
Medically reviewed by Joanne Perron, MD, MPH.August, 2026
Updated onOctober, 2026
Written by Michael Gollust.
Medically reviewed by Joanne Perron, MD, MPH.August, 2026
Updated onOctober, 2026
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