
Originally Posted by
Dan Druff
While I was really impressed with its last answer about PFA (it actually would have handled administrating the forum better than me on that day), I'm less impressed with its noncommittal medical advice.
Me: One of my friends has high cholesterol. I have told him that it's hereditary, and he needs to get on medication. He is insisting that it's because of his high fat diet, and he can beat it with lifestyle modifications. I told him that, at best, he could lower his cholesterol a little by doing that, but he really needs medication to bring it down to the level he wants. I cited the example that I have a high fat diet, yet my total cholesterol is just 142. Do you agree with me?
Chatbot: While it is true that high cholesterol can be hereditary, it is also possible for lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise to affect cholesterol levels. In general, a high-fat diet can contribute to high cholesterol, but this is not always the case. It is important for your friend to discuss their cholesterol levels and concerns with a healthcare provider, who can provide personalized advice and recommendations based on their medical history and current health. It is not advisable for anyone to make decisions about their health based solely on the experiences of others, as everyone's situation is unique.
Me: Yes, but which factor affects cholesterol level more? Is it lifestyle, or is it heredity?
Chatbot: The impact of heredity and lifestyle on cholesterol levels can vary depending on a person's specific circumstances. In general, genetics can play a role in determining a person's cholesterol levels, but lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise can also have a significant impact. It is not always possible to determine which factor is more influential in a particular individual's case. The best way to determine the most appropriate course of action for managing cholesterol levels is to consult with a healthcare provider, who can provide personalized advice based on a person's medical history and current health.
This is simply not correct. It's avoiding answering the question in a factual manner, and instead is just pushing me off to go talk to a doctor about it.
In reality, certain people are prone to high cholesterol levels, and certain people are not. Despite being overweight and having a high fat diet, my total cholesterol is just 142, and in fact has improved over the past 10 years! Others I know who are both thinner and with a low fat diet are carrying cholesterol levels well over 200. The difference is genetics. There are some people who are genetically predisposed to high cholesterol who can somewhat control it with diet/lifestyle modifications, but for the vast majority of people, either you are destined to have high cholesterol, or you're not. And if you are, then you need to consider whether it's high enough to get on meds.
I just had this conversation with someone the other day. He's around my age, has gained some weight recently, and has a cholesterol level of 230. He blamed it on his diet and weight. I told him my weight and my cholesterol level, and he was shocked. I explained to him that it's mostly hereditary.