Dave Feldman | Cholesterol: Lipidology, Individual Variability, Exercise | February 7, 2026 | Ep. 52

Summary:

In this episode of the Low Carb Consultant Podcast, host Max Helmer interviews Dave Feldman, an engineer and researcher known for his work on cholesterol and metabolic health. They discuss the complexities of cholesterol, the impact of low-carb and ketogenic diets on lipid profiles, and the importance of understanding individual variability in cholesterol levels. Feldman shares insights from his personal journey into lipidology, the development of the lipid energy model, and the significance of exercise and diet in managing cholesterol. The conversation emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of cholesterol and its implications for health, particularly in the context of low-carb diets.Find Dave:

Socials: @realDaveFeldman

Podcast: The Feldman Protocol

Sites:

https://cholesterolcode.com/

https://citizensciencefoundation.org/

https://ownyourlabs.com/

Takeaways:

Dave Feldman is an engineer and researcher focused on cholesterol and metabolic health.

The lipid energy model explains why cholesterol levels can rise on a ketogenic diet.

Cholesterol levels are dynamic and can change throughout the day.

High HDL and low triglycerides are indicators of better metabolic health.

Fasting insulin should be included in routine blood panels.

Lean mass hyper responders have high LDL but are often metabolically healthy.

Exercise, especially resistance training, can positively impact cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol testing should always be done in a fasted state for accurate results.

The relationship between saturated fat and cholesterol is more complex than previously thought.

Understanding individual variability in cholesterol is crucial for accurate health assessments.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Cholesterol Code and Research Background

02:41 Aha Moments in Cholesterol Research

05:14 Understanding Lipid Profiles on Low Carb Diets

08:57 The Dynamic Nature of Cholesterol Levels

12:43 Interpreting Cholesterol Tests and Metabolic Context

16:12 Lean Mass Hyper Responders: A Unique Phenotype

21:25 The Impact of Exercise on Cholesterol Levels

23:33 The Role of Lipoprotein Lipase in Heart Health

26:41 Exercise and Its Impact on LDL Levels

27:00 Daily Routine: Diet and Exercise Insights

34:42 Understanding Cholesterol: Misconceptions and Advocacy

40:22 Future Directions in Cholesterol Research

41:52 Key Takeaways for Clinicians on Lipids and Diet

46:46 lifestyle-outro-high-short.wav

Keywords:

cholesterol, low carb diet, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, lipidology, metabolic health, lean mass hyper responders, exercise, cholesterol code