Addressing risk factors

I am a 53 y.o. woman, 5'8" 215 lbs. with high cholesterol and high triglycerides.  In June I started a healthy eating program, (no simple carbs, white sugar, etc.) and walking 30 minutes at least 3 times a week.  Since I started I have lost 25 lbs. (I was at 240).  Am I doing enough?  What else do I need to do to prevent anymore damage?  I am on Niaspan and Tricor to control the cholesterol and triglycerides.  I am very worried as I will soon be in menopause where apparently my risk goes way up.  Thank you so much for your time!

[Darcy Green Conaway, MD]

It sounds like you are doing a great job! One big thing I would be sure of-- have you been screened for diabetes?
From a diet standpoint, I usually recommend the Mediterranean diet and you can find information on that heart healthy way of eating on the internet. I think it is one of the few you can do long-term. Most weight loss in America is related to diet so it sounds like you are doing it! Congratulations and let me know how you progress- keep in mind, that slow weight loss is the way to go. Consider more meals that are smaller in portion, too (5 small meals rather than 3 large meals)-- watch out for hidden carbs/sugars (soda is one of the worst culprits)