What blood lipids reveal about your health
Triglycerides (neutral fats) are the most common form of fat in the human body; they serve as energy storage and circulate in the blood. A certain level is essential for life. However, if triglycerides are persistently elevated, the risk of cardiovascular disease , fatty liver , insulin resistance , and erectile dysfunction increases, often unnoticed.
Men who are sedentary, overweight, frequently consume alcohol, or experience chronic stress are particularly likely to have elevated triglyceride levels. Testosterone deficiency can also be associated with increased triglycerides, due to its connection with slowed metabolism and visceral fat.
What exactly are triglycerides?
Triglycerides consist of a glycerol molecule and three fatty acids. They are ingested through food (primarily animal fats, sugars, and alcohol) or produced by the body itself. Excess calories are converted into triglycerides, which are stored in adipose tissue and used for energy production as needed.
An excessively high blood level means that more energy is stored than consumed, often an early warning sign of a metabolic disorder.
What is a normal triglyceride level?
Blood lipid levels are determined in a fasting state. Normal reference ranges:
| Value (sober) | Meaning |
|---|---|
| < 150 mg/dl | Optimal range |
| 150–199 mg/dl | Slightly elevated |
| 200–499 mg/dl | Significantly increased |
| ≥ 500 mg/dl | High risk (fatty liver, pancreatitis possible) |
💡 Even with normal LDL/HDL levels, elevated triglyceride levels can significantly increase the risk of arteriosclerosis , heart attack , or stroke .
Symptoms of high triglycerides
Elevated triglyceride levels rarely cause direct symptoms, which makes them so insidious. Often, the elevated level is discovered incidentally during a blood test.
However, indirect signs may occur:
- Increasing belly fat despite normal diet
- Lack of energy, fatigue after meals
- Insulin resistance, incipient glucose disorders
- Liver values slightly elevated (suspected fatty liver)
- Erectile dysfunction in conjunction with metabolic syndrome
Triglycerides should be given special attention when combined with low testosterone , high SHBG or high LDL.
Causes of elevated triglycerides
The main triggers are:
- Overweight & visceral belly fat
- Excessive sugar consumption (especially fructose)
- Alcohol (massively increases liver triglycerides)
- Lack of exercise
- Unfavorable genetic factors
- Certain medications (beta blockers, cortisone, etc.)
- Hormonal imbalances, e.g., hypothyroidism or testosterone deficiency
- Chronic stress (increases cortisol, inhibits fat burning)
What can you do?
The good news: Triglycerides can often be normalized without medication , through targeted lifestyle changes:
- Reduce sugar intake , especially from soft drinks, fruit juices, and sweets.
- Severely restrict alcohol consumption (triglycerides are sensitive to even small amounts)
- Intermittent fasting or low-carb diets promote fat metabolism
- Combining strength training and endurance training has a double effect on insulin sensitivity and fat burning.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., from fish or high-quality supplements) significantly lower triglycerides.
- Check your thyroid levels, see article on TSH and fT3
- Check hormone profile, especially testosterone, SHBG & insulin resistance
Why men are particularly affected
Men tend to store excess calories as visceral fat, leading to increased release of free fatty acids, fatty liver, and ultimately elevated triglycerides. Furthermore, the risk of heart attack and insulin resistance is already elevated from the age of 35, especially in combination with stress, lack of sleep, and inactivity.
Conclusion
Triglycerides are a silent but significant marker for your health. A persistently elevated level can indicate a compromised metabolic profile, including an increased risk of heart attack, erectile dysfunction, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalances.
Anyone experiencing symptoms or wanting to regularly check their metabolic status should have their triglycerides tested along with testosterone, SHBG, TSH and liver values.
