Blood Type O Is Linked to High Cholesterol: Here’s the Explanation from an IPB University FKGiz Lecturer

The claim that people with blood type O are more prone to high cholesterol is a frequent topic of discussion in the community. So, is this claim true?

According to dr Christy Efiyanti, SpPD, a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition (FKGiz) at IPB University, to date, scientific evidence regarding the relationship between blood type and cholesterol levels has yielded mixed results, so no definitive conclusion can yet be drawn.

“Some studies have indeed found higher cholesterol levels in individuals with blood type O compared to those with other blood types. However, other studies have shown that there is no link between ABO blood type and blood cholesterol levels,” she said.

dr Christy explained that the relationship between blood type and the risk of cardiovascular disease still requires further research. This is because a person’s cholesterol levels are influenced by many factors that are more complex than blood type alone.

Lifestyle Is a Dominant Factor
She emphasized that lifestyle is the most influential factor in high cholesterol levels in the body. A high fat diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption can increase the risk of high cholesterol.

In addition, several medical conditions also contribute to elevated cholesterol levels, such as diabetes, kidney disorders, liver disease, and thyroid disorders. Genetic factors also play a role, particularly in cases of familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder that causes high cholesterol levels from a young age.

“Age and gender can also affect a person’s cholesterol levels,” added dr Christy, who is also a specialist in Internal Medicine.

To keep cholesterol levels within a normal range, dr Christy advises people to adopt a healthy lifestyle without placing too much emphasis on their blood type. Steps that can be taken include limiting the consumption of high fat foods and processed foods containing saturated fats, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight.

She also emphasized the importance of regular health checkups. “Get regular medical checkups so that any health issues can be detected early and treated promptly before it’s too late and difficult to treat,” she concluded. (Fj) (IAAS/EXC)