This article was professionally consulted by senior doctor, specialist level II, MD Doan Du Dat - General Internal Medicine Doctor, Department of General Examination & Internal Medicine, Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.
Factors that increase bad cholesterol and lead to high blood lipid levels include lack of physical activity, consuming excessive fats and oils, smoking, alcohol consumption, and family history. High blood lipid levels are not limited to body weight. Even thin individuals can develop high blood lipid levels if they lead an unhealthy lifestyle and have poor dietary habits.
1. Definition of High Blood Lipids
Dyslipidemia (also known as lipid disorders or high blood lipids) refers to the abnormal increase or decrease in blood lipid levels. These changes in blood lipid levels are specifically reflected in:
- Increased Total Cholesterol.
- Increased triglycerides.
- Increased LDL-Cholesterol (bad cholesterol).
- Decreased HDL-Cholesterol (good cholesterol).
Blood lipids, also known as blood lipoproteins, are primarily characterized by cholesterol. Therefore, high blood lipid levels are sometimes referred to as lipid metabolism disorders and are directly related to cholesterol levels. The body contains two types of cholesterol: good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL). HDL cholesterol prevents fat accumulation in arterial walls, whereas LDL cholesterol increases the risk of arterial blockages. When HDL cholesterol decreases and LDL cholesterol increases, cholesterol levels in the body become imbalanced. High blood lipid levels are assessed based on total cholesterol levels and the HDL/LDL cholesterol ratio.
When the body experiences a lipid metabolism disorder, fats from food are absorbed 2–3 hours after eating, metabolized into the bloodstream, and peak after 4–6 hours. Blood lipid levels return to normal approximately 9 hours after eating. The rate of increase in blood lipids and the time taken for metabolism depend on: the type of fats consumed, intestinal motility, bile secretion, pancreatic and intestinal lipase enzyme activity, the time lipids take to pass from the stomach, the initial blood lipid levels.
2. Why Can Thin People Have High Blood Lipids?
Regarding the question of whether thin people can have high blood lipids, there is a common misconception that only overweight or obese individuals are affected by high blood lipids. As a result, many thin individuals are surprised when health checks reveal high cholesterol, fatty liver, or high blood lipid levels. In Vietnam, high cholesterol is becoming an alarming issue, with 3 out of every 10 adults affected. Half of these cases involve women aged 50–69. While most patients are overweight, there are also cases of individuals underweight for their height.
In fact, high cholesterol often occurs in people who habitually consume high-calorie foods, fast food, or processed meals. For those who lack physical activity, excess energy from food gradually accumulates as fat tissue, leading to elevated triglycerides in the blood.
Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for excess cholesterol and can also serve as a warning sign for high blood lipid levels. However, thin individuals with an unbalanced diet can still develop this condition. Specifically, regularly consuming foods high in bad cholesterol, lack of physical activity, smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption can lead to high cholesterol levels, even if you are thin.
Additionally, thin individuals can develop high blood lipids due to other risk factors such as liver diseases, genetic predisposition, lipid metabolism disorders, or aging. In other words, individuals with hereditary cholesterol disorders can have high blood lipids regardless of whether they are thin or overweight. Moreover, blood lipid levels naturally increase with age.
3. Treatment of high blood fat in thin people
Treatment for high blood lipids typically includes:
- Lifestyle changes combined with increased physical activity to improve overall health.
- Use of lipid-lowering medications, such as statins or fibrates.
According to nutrition experts, approximately 51.4% of women and 63.1% of men in Vietnam do not consume enough vegetables daily. For overweight and obese individuals, eating plenty of plant-based fiber not only helps control weight but also eliminates excess bad cholesterol from the body. Similarly, thin individuals with high blood lipid levels should consume 400g of fruits and vegetables daily to provide sufficient vitamins, minerals, and fiber to help prevent high cholesterol.
Reducing the intake of cholesterol-rich foods such as fatty meats, animal organs, and fast food is a general recommendation for both overweight and underweight individuals. However, it is not necessary to completely avoid fats in the daily diet, as unsaturated fatty acids like omega-3 are essential for the body. Generally, it is advisable to choose healthy fats (found in fish and vegetable oils) and avoid saturated fats (found in meat). Properly preparing these foods can greatly benefit overall health.
In addition to dietary cholesterol, the liver is the primary organ responsible for producing endogenous cholesterol. Therefore, an unhealthy lifestyle—particularly excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and lack of exercise—can impair liver function, leading to increased cholesterol and high blood lipid levels.
Lastly, thin individuals should focus on physical activity to improve overall health, promote digestion, and enhance nutrient absorption. This helps them achieve an optimal weight and avoid high blood lipids and other health issues.
4. Notes for Patients
Most cases of high cholesterol leading to elevated blood lipid levels do not show clear symptoms. Therefore, even if your weight is within a normal range, it does not fully reflect your overall health. Health experts recommend that individuals aged 20 and above start monitoring their blood cholesterol levels. Regular health check-ups and blood tests are crucial for early detection of high cholesterol, helping to prevent severe conditions such as stroke, coronary artery disease, heart attack, and high blood pressure. When undergoing health check-ups and testing for blood lipid levels, it is essential to perform the following tests: Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL-Cholesterol (good cholesterol), LDL-Cholesterol (bad cholesterol). Only by completing these tests can doctors provide accurate conclusions and recommendations tailored to your condition.
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