The Cholesterol Data That Didn’t Fit the Narrative
In a Nutshell
SGLT2 inhibitors, diabetes drugs that modestly raise LDL cholesterol, reduce cardiovascular mortality by 38% and all-cause death in landmark RCTs, yet this detail is buried unlike amplified links between low-carb diets and heart risk from weak observational data. They work via AMPK activation, senescent cell clearance, and ketogenesis—mimicking fasting/keto effects that also boost longevity despite potential LDL rises. Context matters: LDL isn't inherently "bad" without physiological nuance; media narratives skew facts.
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What if there's a medication that increases LDL bad cholesterol, but it actually saves lives, including from cardiovascular disease? This has been demonstrated in rigorous randomized control trials, published in prestigious medical journals, and replicated time and time again.
Chapter one: conspicuous pattern in how cholesterol and heart disease are discussed in media and literature. Chapter two: medication and landmark randomized control trial with a buried detail. Chapter three: mechanistic details of how the medication works and how to mimic its effects without pills.
Shoutout to Stay Curious Metabolism newsletter for references, extra details, and early access; top three global bestseller in science.
LDL equals bad cholesterol according to headlines. Whenever LDL increases and something bad happens, narrative amplified, often twisted.
Example: Study published last March in cardiology journal claimed low carb keto-like diets more than double cardiovascular event risk. Low carb high-fat group had significantly higher LDL cholesterol and ApoB levels.
Low carb group was under 25% calories from carbohydrates—not low carb high-fat ketogenic. Could eat McDonald's big breakfast with biscuit, hash brown, pancakes, maple syrup, and room for Dunkin Munchkins while still "low carb".
Dietary data from single 24-hour recall questionnaire, prone to measurement error and recall bias, short-term assessment not reflecting long-term intake (authors admit). Using two questionnaires, effect no longer significant.
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