Triglycerides

Routine annual

also tg, trigs

What it isTriglycerides are the storage form of fat — three fatty acids glued to a glycerol backbone. The liver makes them from excess carbohydrate; the gut packages dietary fat into them. They ride in VLDL, chylomicrons, and LDL.

DoesDeliver fatty acids to muscle for fuel and to adipose tissue for storage.

GoodLow fasting triglycerides indicate efficient fuel use, insulin sensitivity, and a low-remnant atherogenic profile.

BadHigh triglycerides are a direct readout of carbohydrate overload, insulin resistance, and fatty liver. Sustained elevation drives atherogenic dyslipidemia, pancreatitis, and cardiovascular disease.

Standard

<150 mg/dL normal; 150–199 borderline; ≥200 high.

Optimal

40–70 mg/dL (lower is good)

Modifiers

Must be fasted 10–12 hours; rises with refined carbs, alcohol, and weight gain; falls quickly with diet change and exercise.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: Zone 2 cardio (single biggest mover — can drop 30–50% in 8 weeks), resistance training, weight loss, cut alcohol.
Diet: Cut sugar, fructose, refined grains, and alcohol — these are the dominant levers. Low-carb or Mediterranean templates work; fatty fish 2–3×/week.
Supplements: Omega-3 EPA+DHA (2–4g/day drops trigs 20–40%), berberine (500mg 3×/day), niacin (under supervision).
Peptides: GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide, retatrutide) lower triglycerides substantially.
Drugs: Fibrates (fenofibrate), icosapent ethyl (prescription EPA), statins, GLP-1 agonists.

within Cholesterol & Lipids