High Cholesterol at 18 years old

I am a male, eighteen years old and I am overweight. I have a family history of high cholesterol and blood pressure and I have not been eating healthy food. I have also been very stressed out for months on end. The doctor said I have high cholesterol (how high, I do no not yet know). After getting this news I have immediately started exercising on a stationary bike for 30 minutes each day and I am now examining the cholesterol levels in the food I eat. I want to know this: Can I, at this age, lower my cholesterol by following a healthy diet and exercising daily? I do not want to take any pills! What are some good resources for lowing cholesterol/getting healthier? Thank you.

[erijon]

You can certainly get your cholesterol under control, especially at your age. You want to target a total cholesterol number under 200, an LDL under 130 and an HDL over 40, the higher the better. Also, try to keep your tri's under 150.

Even so, you may still need to take a statin drug due to your family history. It will also depend on how high the number is, if it is very high your doctor may want to put you on meds to get it down faster while you adjust your lifestyle. Cut out the empty carbs from sugars, breads, pastas ect, eat fruits and veggies and EXCERCISE. You may also want to look at taking fish oil, but check with your doctor first.

Hope this helps,

Jon