Triglycerides

Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. They store unused calories and provide your body with energy between meals. High levels of triglycerides in the blood raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and — at very high levels — inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Along with cholesterol, triglycerides are measured in a lipid-profile blood test.

What's a high level?

Generally, fasting triglycerides:

• Normal — below 150 mg/dL
• Borderline high — 150-199
• High — 200-499
• Very high — 500 and above (risk of pancreatitis)

Indians — particularly with central obesity and insulin resistance — often have higher triglyceride levels than their overall BMI might suggest.

Common causes

• Overweight, especially central obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Diet high in sugar, refined carbohydrates (sweets, biscuits, maida-based foods, soft drinks, fruit juices), saturated and trans fats
• Alcohol — even modest amounts raise triglycerides in susceptible people
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Hypothyroidism, kidney disease, liver disease
• Some medicines — steroids, hormonal contraceptives, some diuretics and HIV medicines
• Genetic causes — familial hypertriglyceridaemia, runs in families

Symptoms

High triglycerides don't usually cause symptoms — found on blood tests. Very high levels (over 1000-2000 mg/dL) can cause pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain, vomiting, needing hospital care) and, rarely, yellow skin deposits (xanthomas).

Treatment

• Lifestyle changes are the foundation
• Cut refined carbs and added sugar — these raise triglycerides more than fat does for many people. Sweets, sugar, soft drinks, fruit juices, white bread, maida, biscuits.
• Limit alcohol — often dramatic effect on triglycerides
• Prefer healthy fats — nuts, seeds, fish, olive or mustard oil in moderation; avoid trans fats (vanaspati)
• Oily fish or omega-3 supplements can help — discuss with your doctor
• Regular physical activity — 150+ minutes a week
• Weight loss — 5-10% reduction significantly helps
• Control blood sugar and thyroid if relevant
• Medicines — statins (also cholesterol-lowering) or specific triglyceride-lowering medicines for very high levels or high overall heart-disease risk

A lipid profile (including triglycerides) is part of routine Indian health check-ups. If yours is high, think of it as a signal — almost always linked to diet, activity, weight, and metabolic health that you can meaningfully improve.