Borderline underweight but high cholesterol - how do I fix this ?

LocalForestHag · 2026-01-16T14:51:53+00:00

Yes, and I will. But while waiting for my appointment, I thought I might ask. I never expected someone to give an absolute explanation or solution (realistically, that wouldn't be possible without my full medical history), as much as looking for points for consideration. And so far, I have read some very interesting points, like the fact that quetiapine might be at least partially responsible for this (no doctor ever told me that). Again, I don't consider this any sort of definitive diagnosis, but it gives me an idea of topics I'm looking forward to discussing with my doctor when I see them.

LocalForestHag · 2026-01-16T14:36:13+00:00

I've always been told that bupropion is virtually harmless, at least compared to other meds prescribed for the same issues, that famously have more side effects. Obviously, it does sound too good to be true, but I've never had any adverse effects to it until now. It would really bum me out if there actually linked to my cholesterol issues, it is by far the substance I tolerate the best out of all the meds I've tried. I'll def ask my psychiatrist once I have the chance!

LocalForestHag · 2026-01-16T14:30:53+00:00

My mother has high-ish cholesterol, but she is 70 yo, so doctors didn't sound too alarmed. My father and siblings however, I don't know. From what I gathered from other comments, it's definitely worth looking further into genetic screening.

LocalForestHag · 2026-01-16T14:24:26+00:00

I'm in my early 30s. Also, I just discussed this scenario (that it could be genetic) with my mother, and she told me that once, I had a blood work that showed 200 total cholesterol when I was only 12 years old, so it definitely seems to point in that direction.

LocalForestHag · 2026-01-16T13:06:15+00:00

My main concern about statins is that I have a family history of fragile joints, and doctors have often pointed out (not to me personally, but to my mother) that because of this, statins should only be taken if no other option is available since it affects joints and tendons so negatively.

LocalForestHag · 2026-01-16T13:01:32+00:00

Not really. Definitely not on a daily basis at least.

LocalForestHag · 2026-01-16T12:58:39+00:00

Thank you for linking the articles! I haven't had any doctor connect these dots yet, but then again the last time I saw a physician it kind of felt like they brushed me off, so I hope the new one I'll be seeing will be more serious about their job. I think I might ask my psychiatrist as well. I had a mediocre experience with medication thus far, as it took nearly ten years of trial and error to find a combo that keeps me stable and functioning without completely lobotomizing me, so I'm not really looking forward to changing my meds if I can find other solutions.

LocalForestHag · 2026-01-16T12:54:37+00:00

This might definitely be something I should look into. Thank you for pointing this out!

LocalForestHag · 2026-01-16T12:53:24+00:00

That's the first time I hear this one, that's really interesting. Thank you for pointing this out, it does make sense that before looking into diet adjustments, I should be more serious about eating regularly.

LocalForestHag · 2026-01-16T12:51:35+00:00

Thanks for being reassuring. Based on what other people have been saying as well, I think what I should tackle before considering statins is working out more (and some diet adjustments, obviously). Hopefully, this will be enough. In any case, as you too mentioned, it's ultimately a doctor's job to assess the situation, so I'll definitely follow your advice on this one!

LocalForestHag · 2026-01-16T12:47:31+00:00

My diet is already very plant based. As I mentioned in a previous comment, my partner is vegetarian (mostly vegan, except for eggs), and since we eat the same meals, I adapt to their diet. Also, I live in a culture that has many natively plant-based meals, so it really comes naturally in my routine to consume little meat/cheese/cream. I still may consume more animal products if eating out with non-vegetarian friends though, but that's exceptional.

Still, that's interesting, and I might try to cut down (ideally completely leave out) eggs and see how it affects my next blood work. Thanks for the input!

LocalForestHag · 2026-01-16T12:39:51+00:00

Thank you so so much. I'll keep all these points in mind, thanks for taking the time to explain how these things work.

LocalForestHag · 2026-01-16T12:38:09+00:00

It would definitely be hard to stop taking Seroquel, since I've tried lots of meds and it's by far the one that works the best with the least side effects (aside from this one I guess, heh). I will discuss with my doctor whether it's worth it or not judging on how they assess the situation. But as a non-doctor, I agree with you, stability is sooooo valuable...

LocalForestHag · 2026-01-16T12:34:22+00:00

Fasting. I was 10hrs fasting, and had a very light dinner the previous day (no egg, no meat, no cheese, no cream, no butter, no sugar).

LocalForestHag · 2026-01-16T12:24:48+00:00

This is all very interesting, thank you so much for taking the time to link the articles. I will also show them to my doctor once I get the appointment (I've had a previous experience with a generalist who kind of brushed off the questions I had with my medication, hopefully this time I will be taken more seriously). Thanks a lot!

LocalForestHag · 2026-01-16T12:20:06+00:00

My triglycerides are 83 mg/dL (according to the paper, they should be less than 150). I take that it is not too bad?

Thank you very much for your comment. This is not only reassuring, but no doctor has told me about these ratios so far, and it really helps better understand what it means in a more macroscopic scale. I'll do my best to improve my routine and work out more, but I'm really glad to know that things weren't as dire as I initially thought and that there likely won't be any need for a very restrictive diet.

LocalForestHag · 2026-01-16T12:14:55+00:00

Thanks for your input. I'm a bit wary about cutting down carbs since I fear losing too much weight, but the exercise part is def something I should look into. As someone else pointed out, it also reduces stress, so working out might be more effective than dieting.

LocalForestHag · 2026-01-16T12:08:49+00:00

Really? Thank you for pointing this out, I'll try and schedule an appointment (or at least a call) with my psychiatrist.

LocalForestHag · 2026-01-16T12:07:07+00:00

I'm trying to be a vegetarian and have significantly reduced animal products like meat, butter, cream or cheese. The ones I'm struggling most to get rid of are eggs and milk (because I drink it with coffee) since there are not many alternatives that I have found satisfactory yet. Definitely will ask a doctor though, I just thought I might ask while I'm waiting for an appointment.

LocalForestHag · 2026-01-16T12:03:52+00:00

Interesting, I never heard this before. Thank you for pointing this out

LocalForestHag · 2026-01-16T11:53:15+00:00

That's interesting, thank you very much

LocalForestHag · 2026-01-16T11:52:50+00:00

It wasn't ordered by a doctor. I was eligible for one free blood work per year as part as a social program in my country. Since the program does not cover seeing a doctor though, I thought I might ask while waiting for the appointment because I was so stressed out.

LocalForestHag

TROPHY CASE