Some individuals may require an LDL less than 100, such as those that are post MI, or insulin dependent diabetics with risk factors etc. Generally they are already on lipid lowering agents already, but I wouldnt write off elevated LDL as a benign finding (especially if it was a significant increase over last years number). Anyone with categorical obesity (especially truncal obesity) + hypertension + Diabetes (niddm or iddm) + age greater than 55 + male or menopausal women needs to pay heed to their cholesterol levels. In recent years this dysmetabolic syndrome ( alittle bit fat, alittle bit of htn, and a little bit of insulin resistance) has been linked repeatedly to greatly increased risk of heart disease. Granted there are many new findings that are beginning to link other factors to heart disease (some people are more prone to vascular inflammation) but caution should still be used when consuming large amounts of fat. Make sure an take an aspirin everyday, especially if you have significant family history or other contributory risk factors. Hopefull very few dieters here are smokers as well, but if so, you should work on kicking the tobacco habit before working on the excess weight.
-Getz