question about cholesterol

[dimar97]

I have some questions about cholesterol. I am not overweight, nor have I ever had a terribly unhealthy diet or lifestyle. I am not genetically predisposed to high cholesterol either. I used to eat low cal/low fat and have always exercised – though some times more aggressively than other times in my life. Basically I am seeking to lose vanity weight – I am with in my appropriate BMI. I am 5’2” currently 126# down from 136.5# when I restarted Atkins one month ago (1-2-08 ). My goal is 120#. I am 38 years old. I had been following Atkins for about 4 months but then had a series of events that led me astray for about 4 months. Obviously I put the weight back on. I recently had blood work done including my cholesterol. My total was 206, my good cholesterol a little low and my bad cholesterol a little high but all technically with in normal limits. So I am concerned that though with in normal limits my numbers are not ideal. How long does it take to adjust to low carb eating so that my labs are more truly reflective? I’d like to request a retest (my MD knows I am eating low carb) I am just wondering when would be a good time. thanks

[not2late]

The book says 6 months is when to re-test.

[hrgillespie]

Yes 6 months is what is reccomended and thats 6 months of sticking to plan ....... if you test sooner then that especially sooner then 3 months you might actually see a bit higher numbers as your body adjusts to your new WOE.

[Mirya]

whether its via the plan or just for health maintenance.... every 6 months is what my MD told me. I think for preventative for everything at least once every 6 months is feasible. At least thats what I go by.