Low-density lipoprotein, also called LDL cholesterol, is a substance produced by your body and contained in animal-based food sources. High circulating levels of this cholesterol in your bloodstream can seriously increase your risks for both heart attack and stroke. All people need to keep their LDL levels below a certain point to safeguard their health. Obese people have additional serious health risks and need to keep their LDL levels even lower.
Basics
Obese people are at least 20 percent heavier than their ideal weight, according to the American Heart Association. Roughly 34 percent of American adults fall into this category, along with roughly 17 percent of American children between the ages of 2 and 19. Obese people have increased risks for a variety of health problems including heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. They also have increased risks for higher levels of LDL cholesterol and a blood-borne fat called triglyceride, as well as decreased levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol, which removes excess LDL from the bloodstream.
Obesity and LDL
People without risks for heart disease need to keep their LDL levels below 129 mg/dL to reduce their cholesterol-related health risks, MayoClinic.com reports. Obese people have significant heart disease risks, and need to keep their LDL levels below 100 mg/dL to reduce their chances for cholesterol-related problems. If you're obese and your doctor has classified your heart disease risks as high, keep your LDL levels below 70 mg/dL to reduce your risks.
Additional Factors
Health problems that can trigger high risks for heart disease either on their own or in combination with obesity include previous experience of a stroke or heart attack, the presence of blocked arteries in your legs or arms, and the presence of blocked arteries in your neck. Additional problems that can place you in a high risk category when present together include high blood pressure, diabetes and low levels of HDL cholesterol. Obese people have increased risks for all three of these problems.
Considerations
The risks associated with obesity are especially high if you carry your weight around your midsection, the American Heart Association notes. However, you can potentially decrease your heart- and obesity-related risks even if you lower your weight by only a few pounds. People who are not obese and don't have other health problems typically experience serious increases in their heart disease risks when their LDL levels fall between 160 and 189 mg/dL, and very high risks when their levels equal or exceed 190 mg/dL. Consult your doctor for more information on LDL cholesterol and the health effects of obesity.
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