Skip to main content
Heart Health

LDL cholesterol: Will it increase on a low-carb or keto diet?

Your body weight and metabolic health may influence what happens to your LDL cholesterol on a low-carb diet.

By , Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
Print This Page

Low-carb diets can have varied effects on LDL cholesterol levels based on a person’s body mass index. In lean people, LDL cholesterol values can rise dramatically, while levels may decline in people with obesity.

To continue reading this article, you must log in.

Source matters. Subscribe to HarvardHealthOnline+ for as low as $4.99 a month for unlimited access to the site – where all content is reviewed by an HMS physician or faculty expert.

With HHO+ you get these exclusive benefits:

  • Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
  • 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
  • Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
  • In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
  • Interactive features like videos and quizzes
  • Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources

SPECIAL OFFER! UNLOCK EXPERT ACCESS for just $4.99 per month!

Already a member? Login ».

About the Author

photo of Julie Corliss

Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter

Julie Corliss has been the executive editor of the Harvard Heart Letter since 2013. She also writes for the Harvard Health Letter, Harvard Women’s Health Watch, and Harvard Men’s Health Watch, as well as for Harvard … See Full Bio
View all posts by Julie Corliss

About the Reviewer

photo of David S. Ludwig, MD, PhD

David S. Ludwig, MD, PhD, Contributor

Dr. David Ludwig is an endocrinologist and researcher at Boston Children’s Hospital, professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, and professor of nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. For more than 25 years, … See Full Bio
View all posts by David S. Ludwig, MD, PhD
Print This Page

Disclaimer:

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up