What's Up Docs? How should we think about cholesterol?
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Apr 7, 2026 Professor Nita Forouhi, a Cambridge population health and nutrition expert, explains what cholesterol is and why the body needs it. Short clear segments cover LDL vs HDL and how tests are interpreted. Practical talk on dietary swaps, fibre, exercise and when statins are appropriate. Conversation separates evidence from hype and reframes cholesterol within overall cardiovascular risk.
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Cholesterol Is Mostly Made By Your Body
- Cholesterol is an essential waxy substance made mostly inside the body, not just from food.
- About 80% is produced endogenously (mainly liver) and only ~15–20% comes from dietary cholesterol, affecting hormone and vitamin D synthesis.
Saturated Fat Drives Blood LDL More Than Dietary Cholesterol
- Dietary saturated fat, not dietary cholesterol, mainly raises blood LDL (bad) cholesterol.
- Saturated fat nudges the liver to produce more cholesterol, so focus shifts from eggs to fat type in the diet.
Cholesterol Should Be Interpreted As Part Of Overall Risk
- A cholesterol number is one risk factor among many for heart disease; overall 10-year cardiovascular risk matters more.
- GPs calculate composite risk including blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, diet, and activity before advising treatment.