What are triglycerides?

Question

I was recently told by my doctor that I have exceptionally high triglycerides. I don't really understand what they are, how they can affect me and how they got high. I tried to research online, but that just confused me more. HELP!!

Answer 1

Triglycerides are the chemical forms of fat that exist in your body. They, along with cholesterol, make plasma lipids. Calories that aren't immediately used are turned into triglycerides; these go to fat cells, where they are stored.

Answer 2

Triglycerides are a fat molecule comprised of 3 fatty acids and a glycerol.  They are the most common type of molecule in dietary fats, and stored body fat.  High triglyceride levels can be caused by eating more calories than one can burn, and eating excessive and/or refined carbohydrates.  High levels can lead to heart disease/stroke, high cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome.  Some of the thing I advise my patients to do is monitor their portions of carbohydrates, watch the quality of carbohydrates(no sugar, white or processed anything, more whole grains, fruits veg etc.), and comit to at least 30 minutes of walking a day.

Good luck!