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Low-carb and keto diets can help people lose weight and improve their metabolic health. However, many clinicians are concerned with that amount of fat and lack of carbs in low-carb diets and fear they will raise LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk. However, studies show that, on average, those starting a low-carb or keto diet for weight loss or for treating type 2 diabetes do not see a rise in their LDL. Instead, they see an increase in HDL, decrease in TG, and an improvement in blood sugars and insulin sensitivity. The net result is a decrease in calculated cardiovascular risk. That being said, a minority of people following low-carb diets do see a rise in their LDL, especially the leaner, more physically active individuals. It may be important to approach these individuals differently than a metabolically unhealthy individual on a high-carb diet. Putting the LDL changes into the context of their overall health progress can help reframe how to address their cardiovascular risk.

In the end, if a clinician wants to help their patient reduce their LDL while still following a low-carb diet for metabolic health and weight loss, numerous strategies exist that may be helpful. These include nutritional changes, supplements, and prescription medications.

Speaker: Bret Scher, MD

Accreditation: 1 CME/CE 

Registration: Free for OMA Members; $24 for Non-members