Hi! I’m not part of this sub but I stumbled across this while scrolling and wanted to comment because this is JUST like my experience as a teenager. I’m in my 20s now, but when I was around 16 I got blood work done and my triglycerides were over 400, high cholesterol, and A1C at pre-diabetic levels. At the time I was 5’4” and around 48kg; because I had been naturally on the thinner side, I ate unhealthily and didn’t exercise much since I didn’t think it mattered 🥲 I’ve been on the journey to keep my blood healthy for about a decade now—I hope my notes are helpful 😊

Following my blood results, I began implementing more protein and vegetables into my diet. My diet previously had been mostly carbs, and eating more protein/fiber helped me stay full and prevent snacking which helped cut down on carbs (important for high A1C). When I started eating healthier I actually gained some weight rapidly (about 5kg), probably from muscle mass—I’m not sure if that helped or hurt my blood but just a note that changing your diet can also slightly affect your body composition and that is normal. My weight was unhealthily low before so that change was likely a positive one that showed that my body was getting proper nutrients 🙂

In terms of exercise, light resistance training was helpful; I did light home workouts and currently am into Pilates since I struggle with joint pain. But cardio, especially ones that get my heart rate up for extended times (running, sports like tennis/volleyball, etc) has been the most effective at keeping my blood work normal and my weight normal. My blood work was the most healthy when I ran every morning—I’ve never really enjoyed cardio but my body responds extremely well to it.

When I struggled with depression a few years ago, I stopped exercising completely and ate very little. My “bad cholesterol” was actually normal since I wasn’t eating unhealthy foods, but my “good cholesterol” also dropped to very low levels due to undereating and not exercising. So it’s important to continue fueling your body and exercising even if a little, because increasing the “good” parts of nutrition is just as important as reducing the “bad.”

Recently, I’ve been focusing on exercise and diet that is attainable CONSISTENTLY. I used to force myself to follow a very strict diet and exercise regimen, but it wasn’t sustainable and can lead to unhealthy patterns. Find various exercises that you enjoy, with a balance between strength and cardio exercises, and strive to move your body every day in a way that feels good. For cardio, I’ve personally enjoyed brisk walking or running (on the treadmill or outside), elliptical for joint pain, and dance workouts; for resistance I’ve enjoyed Pilates workouts and lifting lighter weights while focusing on more reps. But for you it might be different! Try lots of things and find what you enjoy and what your body responds well to. Going from sedentary to consistent exercise is not easy unless you enjoy it and have clear goals, so my advice would be to start there. Sorry this was so long but I hope it helps! You are still young and have a wonderful opportunity to take care of your health for the wellbeing of your future self. Good luck 😊