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There are many possible factors that can cause high cholesterol, and in many cases, some of them occur at the same time. Unlike certain medical conditions, in which the specific cause can easily be pinpointed and dealt with, the contributing factors for having high cholesterol levels can vary from one individual to another.
Obesity and being overweight are among the most commonly recognized risk factors, particularly in Americans. With many Americans having to follow hectic daily schedules--and with unhealthy fast food and junk food being the most conveniently available--it is quite easy for most adults to put on more weight than is advisable.
This excess weight can eventually lead to higher levels of LDL, or "bad cholesterol" in the body. Thus weight loss often becomes an integral part of treatment for anyone suffering high cholesterol levels.
However, just because someone isn't overweight, does not mean that person isn't at risk. While some factors, including metabolism and heredity, can allow certain people to eat unhealthy and fatty foods without gaining a noticeable amount of weight, that person may still have high cholesterol in his body.
This is why healthy eating is crucial for everyone, regardless of whether they are overweight or not. The most common culprits for raising cholesterol levels are those containing high amounts of saturated fat. Saturated fats are those that come from animals, instead of vegetables. This is often found in animal-based cooking oils, which is why many fried dishes are considered unhealthy.
Apart from diet, risk factors for high cholesterol include age, gender, and heredity. Some assert that women, particularly from teenage to middle age, tend to be at less risk of having cholesterol problems than men. It has also been noticed that many women only begin to suffer from high cholesterol once they've reached menopause. Such studies associate this with the hormone estrogen, which is produced in female bodies from teenage until menopause. In general, the age group with the greatest risk of having high cholesterol is 50 and above.
Some studies also suggest that heredity may play a more significant role than previously believed. It has been noted that when the parents have a history of high cholesterol, the children are likely to follow suit. In such cases, it is crucial that the problem be recognized early on in order to make the necessary lifestyle adjustments. Someone suffering from high cholesterol, and who has a family history of it, may benefit from courses of treatment similar to those their close relatives have found success with.
While these factors may certainly affect one's likelihood of having high cholesterol, lifestyle still plays the most significant part. The good thing about this: while heredity, age and gender can not be controlled, diet and exercise most certainly can.
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