If you are overweight or obese, you might have higher cholesterol levels. Studies show that people who are overweight are more likely to have high cholesterol than people with a normal weight. This is especially true when you are young. It may be that as you get older, your age has a bigger effect on increasing your cholesterol than being overweight.

BMI is a way to measure if you are overweight based on your body height and weight. You can figure out your BMI by using this Adult BMI Calculator. Normal weight is a BMI lower than 25. Overweight is a BMI between 25 and 30. A BMI of 30 or above is obese.  

High cholesterol and being overweight or obese also increase your risk of serious diseases. These include heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Losing the weight can help lower your cholesterol. It can also lower your chances of serious disease.

A healthy weight can make your heart feel great!