CHOLESTEROL TREATMENT MADE EASY L ipid levels can be lowered with lifestyle changes, medications, or a combination of these approaches. In certain cases, a healthcare provider will recommend a trial of lifestyle changes before recommending a medication. Lifestyle changes — All patients with high LDL cholesterol should try to make some changes in their day-to-day habits, by reducing total and saturated fat in their diet, losing weight (if overweight or obese), performing aerobic exercise, and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.The benefits of such lifestyle modifications usually become evident within 6 to 12 months. However, the success of lipid lowering with lifestyle modification varies widely, and healthcare providers sometimes choose to begin drug therapy before this time period is over. Medications — There are many medications available to help lower elevated levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, but only a few for increasing HDL cholesterol. Each cate