In a concerning revelation that underscores a looming health crisis, medical experts from the newly-formed Lipid Forum of Pakistan have warned that more than 85 percent of Pakistan’s population is suffering from dangerously high cholesterol levels. These elevated levels are directly contributing to a surge in cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, and chronic artery-related complications.
Cholesterol Crisis: A Nation at Risk
During a press conference held at the Karachi Press Club, top healthcare professionals including Professor Abdul Rashid, Professor Nawaz Lashari, Dr. Pir Ghulam Nabi Shah Chelani (Deputy Director of Health Karachi), Professor Jamil Ahmed, and Professor Kamal Yousaf emphasized the alarming trend of increased bad cholesterol—or LDL—among the Pakistani population. They explained that LDL leads to the narrowing of arteries, which hinders blood flow and significantly increases the risk of life-threatening conditions.
The experts stressed that cholesterol imbalance is not a minor issue—it is a silent epidemic that has taken root due to poor dietary choices and sedentary lifestyles.
Fast Food and Fatty Diets: A Deadly Combination
One of the major causes cited for the rise in high cholesterol levels is the widespread consumption of fast food and processed meals. According to the panel, the younger generation—particularly school-going children—are showing early signs of arterial narrowing due to their increasing reliance on fast food, fried items, and poultry-based junk meals.
Substandard food quality and excessive intake of fatty and cholesterol-rich items have led to a disturbing drop in HDL, or good cholesterol, levels. This imbalance—where bad cholesterol dominates—creates the perfect storm for cardiovascular complications.
The experts noted that in a healthy body, the level of good cholesterol should be above 50 percent, as it helps remove excess fat from the bloodstream. Unfortunately, this balance is being severely disrupted across the country.
Lipid Forum of Pakistan: Spreading Awareness
The Lipid Forum of Pakistan, launched with the objective of raising public awareness about heart health, is sounding the alarm bells for policymakers, educators, parents, and the general public. Their mission is to advocate for dietary awareness, encourage preventive healthcare, and promote heart-friendly habits that can counteract this growing threat.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Professor Abdul Rashid highlighted that cholesterol levels have become a national health emergency. He stressed that controlling cholesterol should be as important as controlling blood sugar or blood pressure, and called for urgent nationwide awareness campaigns.
Preventive Measures: Diet, Exercise, and Lifestyle Changes
To combat the spread of cholesterol-related diseases, the experts issued several practical recommendations:
- Adopt a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins.
- Limit or avoid fast food, deep-fried snacks, and sugary beverages, particularly among children.
- Incorporate daily physical activity, such as walking for at least 30 minutes, to boost metabolism and improve circulation.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol, which contribute to arterial damage and lipid imbalances.
- Regular health checkups are essential to monitor cholesterol levels and take corrective action before complications arise.
According to the experts, walking remains one of the simplest yet most effective tools to fight high cholesterol. Not only does it help regulate weight and blood pressure, but science also confirms that it enhances blood flow, reduces stress, and helps flush out fat and other toxins from the body.
Parents Urged to Take Immediate Action
A special appeal was made to parents to monitor their children’s diets and reduce their exposure to fast food. Dr. Chelani emphasized that the long-term health of the nation depends on how today’s youth are nurtured, both physically and nutritionally. Childhood dietary habits often continue into adulthood, so early intervention is crucial.
A Wake-Up Call for the Nation
Pakistan is standing at the edge of a public health cliff. The widespread cholesterol imbalance, driven by unhealthy eating and inactivity, is not only affecting adults but is rapidly infiltrating the lives of young children. With over 85 percent of the population at risk, the need for national dietary reform, public health education, and personal lifestyle changes has never been more urgent.
The Lipid Forum of Pakistan is calling on citizens, media, and authorities to rally around this cause—because a healthy heart is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for national survival.
