Myths vs facts: LDL and Sport

The claim that exercise always lowers LDL cholesterol is a myth. Regular endurance training can increase LDL particle size (making it less atherogenic) without necessarily reducing total LDL concentration. Resistance training may even slightly raise LDL. Another myth: 'More exercise is always better for lipids' – overtraining without recovery can increase inflammation and worsen lipid profiles. Fact: Moderate, consistent physical activity (≥150 min/week) improves the LDL/HDL ratio and particle size, but genetic factors (e.g., APOE, PCSK9) strongly influence baseline LDL. Without blood tests and genetic context, sweeping statements are unreliable. Consumer DNA tests for LDL-related SNPs are often not clinically actionable. Always get a fasting lipid panel before making supplement or training changes.