How are HDL and weight loss related?

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is often called 'good' cholesterol. Weight loss, especially through calorie restriction and increased physical activity, can modestly raise HDL levels – typically by 1–2 mg/dL per 5 % weight loss. However, the effect varies by individual, baseline weight, and diet composition. Very low-fat diets or rapid weight loss may actually lower HDL. Consumer DNA tests like MyBody-X may flag SNPs (e.g., in CETP) that influence HDL, but these effects are small and lifestyle dominates. Evidence for the HDL–weight loss link is human-moderate: many observational and interventional studies support a modest increase, but the clinical impact on cardiovascular risk is debated. HDL alone is not a robust risk marker; focus on overall metabolic health.