Doing exercise improves your cholesterol profile, even in the absence of weight loss, according to a new study.
Duke University researchers have shown how exercise impacts the level of 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol in the body. Cholesterol is transported throughout the body attached to protein molecules, the combination being known as lipoprotein. High levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL or 'bad' cholesterol) are linked to heart disease, while high density lipoprotein (HDL or 'good' cholesterol) is said to be protective.

The researchers studied 84 sedentary overweight men and women, dividing them into four groups. One undertook high-amount/vigorous exercise, the equivalent of jogging for 20 miles a week. Another did low-amount/vigorous exercise, the equivalent of 12 miles a week. A third did low-amount/moderate intensity exercise, as if they were doing 12 miles of brisk walking a week. The fourth group did no exercise.

At the end of the study, the participants who had taken exercise had far better cholesterol profiles than those who did not. Indeed, not exercising was actually linked to a deterioration in cholesterol profile. The amount, rather than the intensity, of exercise seems to be the deciding factor. So if you are sedentary, move just a little to improve your cholesterol. And then take it from there.