09/07/2026
KETO MYTH MONDAY #11
MYTH: "High cholesterol means keto isn't working."
Seeing your cholesterol change after starting keto can be concerning—but one number doesn't tell the whole story.
Cholesterol is carried in different types of particles, and your overall cardiovascular risk depends on many factors, including HDL, triglycerides, blood pressure, blood sugar, inflammation, family history, and more.
Some people experience temporary changes as they lose weight, while others see improvements in several metabolic markers.
Some people on keto develop extremely high LDL while also having low triglycerides, high HDL and good insulin sensitivity. Early research in this specific group has found surprisingly little coronary plaque despite very high LDL levels.
Does that mean high LDL is harmless? No. We don't have the evidence to say that.
But it does mean we shouldn't reduce someone's entire metabolic health to one number either.
LDL and ApoB matter. So do triglycerides, HDL, blood pressure, glucose and insulin health, family history, lifestyle—and, when appropriate, actually measuring atherosclerosis.
The goal shouldn't be to fear cholesterol.
The goal should be to understand your complete metabolic picture.
Bottom line: Don't focus on one lab value in isolation. Look at the bigger picture with your healthcare provider.
Also, watch the new documentary "The Cholesterol Code" for a deeper understanding.
