Cholesterol is a lipid, or type of fat produced by the liver and derived from various dietary sources. Although often referred to in negative terms, cholesterol plays an essential part in many processes within the body, including formation of cell membranes and nerve linings and in the manufacture of bile acids, fat-soluble vitamins and certain hormones. However, high cholesterol or hypercholesterolemia is strongly associated with significant health issues including heart disease and stroke.

The term “heart disease” encompasses various ailments that afflict the human heart which combined together are the leading cause of death in the United States. Basically, a heart disease or a cardiovascular disorder refers to any condition in which the heart’s ability function properly is impaired. Some of the reasons why obesity is bad for the heart include the fact that being overweight leads to an increase in blood cholesterol and triglycerides.