The dietary excess of carbohydrates, saturated fat, and cholesterol is primarily responsible for obesity and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Excess carbohydrates, when not used for energy, are converted to fat and stored, contributing to weight gain. Saturated fat contributes to increased levels of LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol"), which promotes the buildup of plaques in arteries and increases CVD risk. Excess dietary cholesterol can also lead to plaque buildup in arteries, further raising heart disease risk. High intake of these nutrients collectively leads to obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia (unhealthy lipid profile), and heightened cardiovascular risk.
Effects of Excess Carbohydrates
- Excess carbohydrates are converted into glucose and stored as fat, promoting obesity.
- High carbohydrate intake, especially refined types, worsens lipid profiles by increasing triglycerides and small dense LDL particles, raising CVD risk.
Effects of Excess Saturated Fat
- Saturated fats raise LDL cholesterol by increasing circulating LDL particles, contributing to atherosclerosis.
- High saturated fat intake is linked with increased cardiovascular events due to its impact on blood cholesterol.
Effects of Excess Cholesterol
- Excess dietary cholesterol can raise LDL cholesterol levels and foster arterial plaque buildup.
- This increases the chances of heart disease, although dietary cholesterol’s direct role in weight gain is less significant.
Overall Consequences
- Obesity resulting from excess caloric intake.
- Increased risk of heart disease due to altered cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis.
- Atherogenic dyslipidemia characterized by elevated triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and small dense LDL particles.
Thus, dietary excess of these macronutrients is chiefly responsible for obesity and cardiovascular disease risk.