The FastDay Forum

I have a strong family history of heart disease and was diagnosed with high blood pressure around 15 years ago, in my early 30's (oddly, at a time when I was at my fittest!) so I'm taking medication for that and I also have my cholestrol and blood sugar, etc. tested yearly. It was last done in January so I'll use that as my baseline.

I don't have the actual results, but I'm planning to get them from my doctor's office for reference. I'm just wondering how long it might take to show a positive shift in (for example) my LDL level. I generally have a high-ish LDL and also a high HDL, so my ratio is quite good so my doctor isn't too concerned. Personally, I want to see my LDL in the low range so that is one of my goals with this diet.

Anyone have any results to share?

I don't know the answer (but one of the clever bods will be along soon!), but I had my bloods done in January, and am due for a repeat test in July/August. I started 5:2 in March so I hope something might show up by then.

Hi Helen, I haven't got any results but if you do a search in the custom google box (below the left-hand menu) for:

HDL LDL

it brings up some posts about cholesterol levels. Also about when to have them tested (not on a fast day!).

Hope that helps...

As a rule of thumb after losing 8-10% of your starting weight. (No, I don't have a reference for that, and thumbs may differ - however, this treshhold is valid for many other physiological variables). That is for weight loss, I don't know about intermittent fasting.

In my case, the cholesterol didn't change much, but it was fine to begin with. I have never managed to push my LDL from the high normal into the low normal range regardless of weight or food choices.

Have you considered looking at dietary choices which may influence HDL/LDL? Also, I seem to remember exercise helps.