Which lifestyle intervention is recommended for hyperlipidemia management?

• A. High-fat diet with no exercise
• B. Weight loss and increased physical activity
• C. Smoking cessation only
• D. Excessive alcohol consumption

Answer: (B)

Weight loss with regular physical activity is the most effective lifestyle approach to improve lipid levels and reduce cardiovascular risk. Losing weight helps improve the lipid profile by lowering triglycerides and LDL and often modestly increasing HDL, largely through improved insulin sensitivity and metabolic health. Regular aerobic exercise raises HDL cholesterol and can lower triglycerides and the overall atherogenic burden, with additional benefits for blood pressure and glucose control. Even a modest weight reduction of 5–10% can produce meaningful lipid improvements.

By contrast, a high-fat diet with no exercise tends to worsen lipid levels. Smoking cessation is important for cardiovascular risk reduction, but it does not directly optimize lipid values. Excessive alcohol consumption also raises triglycerides and is not a recommended strategy for lipid management.