Triglycerides
Hi there, I had to do bloodwork to get life insurance. I just got the results and my Triglycerides levels are high. 1.78 mmol/L while it should be between 0.00 - 1.69. Here is the interesting part. I just lost 66 pounds, do not drink alcohol, do not eat fast food or high fat foods, I am still overweight but have lost a ton already. I am curious if other people have their levels high and what they have done. When I look at the list of things that can cause this to be high. The only thing I can think off is that I do not get enough exercise, truth be told, I do not exercise at all.
Blood triglycerides can get higher when you:
- Don’t get enough exercise
- Eat foods that are high in fat and sugar
- Drink too much alcohol
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Official comment
Thank you for inviting the sanoMidLife Clinical Team to this conversation.
You are doing an amazing job, and we commend you for your efforts!
It’s certainly understandable to be curious about elevated triglyceride levels, especially after losing weight and making positive lifestyle changes like avoiding alcohol, fast food and high-fat foods.
To help you understand more about why triglyceride levels can be elevated, we've included some potential contributing factors below. Please keep in mind that understanding the underlying reasons specific to you requires looking at the complete picture, which would include your medical history and the full bloodwork panel.
Here are some of the reasons why triglyceride levels might be elevated:
- Sometimes, triglyceride levels can be slightly high if blood work is done within a few hours of eating. Repeating the lipid panel after fasting for 8-12 hours might provide a more accurate result in the future. Additionally, repeating lab work for comparison, along with a full lipid panel (including LDL [low-density lipoprotein] and HDL [high-density lipoprotein]), would support your provider in making informed treatment recommendations.
- As you mentioned, a higher consumption of refined carbohydrates and sugars can be a potential contributor. Even when avoiding high-fat foods, our bodies can convert excess carbohydrates into triglycerides.
- A history of being overweight and less active could also contribute to insulin resistance, which can affect how the body processes fats, potentially leading to higher triglyceride levels.
- Genetic predisposition can also play a role, with some individuals having a familial tendency towards higher triglyceride levels, a condition known as familial hypertriglyceridemia.
- Certain medications may have the side effect of raising triglyceride levels.
- Underlying medical conditions related to thyroid or kidney function can also influence the body's lipid metabolism.
These factors can interact in intricate ways. To gain a clearer understanding of any underlying reasons for your elevated triglyceride levels, we recommend consulting with your primary care provider or your sanoMidLife clinician. They can help identify any underlying causes and provide personalized recommendations tailored to your specific needs.
Taking proactive steps, as you are doing, to understand your bloodwork panel and making positive shifts to prioritize your health, such as abstaining from alcohol and avoiding fast food, are valuable investments in your long-term health and well-being!
We hope this information is supportive. If you have any follow-up questions, please feel free to reach out to your sanoMidLife team directly. They would be delighted to support you!
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Just popping in to share that I've invited a clinician to weigh in on this for you. I tried this feature on other posts and got some helpful insights. Might be helpful here too!
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