Risk factors include obesity

Risk factors for high cholesterol include things you can’t control, such as age, gender and family history. But lifestyle choices—factors you can control—are a big part of the equation, too.

The Cleveland Clinic says controllable risk factors for high cholesterol include:

  - Whether your diet is high in saturated fat and cholesterol.
  - Whether you’re overweight/obese.
  - Whether you’re getting enough regular exercise.
  - Whether you have emotional stress and turn to unhealthy habits to help manage that stress.