High LDL in those with high muscle mass on low carb diet – “Lean Mass Hyper – Responders

In the world of phenotypes, there are outliers. People who don’t fit neatly into the boxes that we try to put them in. And this is especially true when it comes to how our bodies respond to a carbohydrate-restricted diet (CRD).

A new study has found that a subgroup of respondents with high LDL cholesterol, high HDL cholesterol, and low TG was characterized as “lean mass hyper-responders (LMHR).”

The study’s results suggest that a large elevation in LDL cholesterol on a CRD is more likely to occur in lean and metabolically healthy people.

This is important because it challenges the current thinking on CRDs and cholesterol. Until now, it was thought that CRDs only impact those with metabolic disorders. But this study shows that even lean and healthy people can have their cholesterol levels impacted by a CRD.

So what does this mean for you? Let’s dig into the potential implications of this new data.

What Is a Carbohydrate-Restricted Diet?

A CRD is any diet that limits carbohydrate intake. This can be done by eating fewer carbs, replacing carbs with other macronutrients like protein and fat, or combining both.

The most popular CRD is the ketogenic diet, which is a high-fat, low-carb diet. But there are other variations of CRDs, like the paleo diet and the Atkins diet.

The main goal of a CRD is to encourage your body to burn fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. This process is known as ketosis, and it has a number of potential health benefits, like weight loss, improved mental clarity, and decreased inflammation.

How Does a CRD Affect Cholesterol Levels?

The impact of a CRD on cholesterol levels is complex and not fully understood. But we do know that a CRD can lead to an increase in LDL cholesterol in some people.

This is concerning because LDL cholesterol is the “bad” type of cholesterol that can build up in your arteries and lead to heart disease.

But it’s important to remember that not all LDL cholesterol is created equal. There are two main types of LDL cholesterol:

1. Small, dense LDL cholesterol: This type of LDL cholesterol is more likely to build up in your arteries and cause heart disease.

2. Large, fluffy LDL cholesterol: This type of LDL cholesterol is less likely to build up in your arteries and cause heart disease.

A CRD tends to increase the levels of large, fluffy LDL cholesterol while decreasing the levels of small, dense LDL cholesterol. This is why a CRD is generally considered to be heart-healthy.

But as we mentioned before, there are outliers. And this new study shows that LMHRs are one group of people who may not respond to a CRD in the same way as everyone else.

What Are the Implications of This New Study?

This new study challenges the current thinking on CRDs and cholesterol. Until now, it was thought that CRDs only offer benefits to people with metabolic disorders.

But this study shows that even lean and healthy people can have their cholesterol levels impacted by a CRD.

This is important because it means we must rethink how we recommend CRDs to people. For example, if you’re an LMHR, you may want to reconsider following a CRD.

Or, if you do decide to follow a CRD, you may want to monitor your cholesterol levels more closely. This way, you can catch any potential increases in LDL cholesterol early and make adjustments to your diet accordingly.

Of course, more research is needed to confirm these findings. But this study provides an essential first step in understanding how CRD affects different groups of people.

Learn More with Functional Medicine

Do you think you might be an LMHR? Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to find out more. They can help you decide if a CRD is right for you and advise you on how to monitor your cholesterol levels.

Working with a functional medicine practitioner can also learn more about CRDs and other health topics. Functional medicine is a personalized approach to healthcare that looks at the whole person, not just their symptoms.

If you live in the Woodlands, Texas, region, contact Dr. Khan at Internal Health and Wellness. He and his team offer comprehensive functional medicine care with an aim to offer patients the best possible outcome.

So, book an appointment today if you’re interested in learning more about your health and exploring different treatment options. We’ll work with you to create a personalized care plan that meets your unique needs.