I have a quick question for my stepdad who is also on Atkins.............is it safe to be on atkins diet while on cholesterol lowering pills?

Sure is, but be sure to have him consult his physician first. There is a forum here for support if you are interested.

http://forum.lowcarber.org/forumdis...daysprune=&f=48

THat is a good question. I don't know if your dad is on the pills yet. But I would think that his cholesterol will be heavily monitored by Dr. so perhaps he might ease into Atkins gradually. However, he should contact a doctor who is knowledgeable about Atkins and see what his opinion is about doing both. It is just a second opinion. But, if you read Protein Power, you will see that it is carbohydrates that causes insulin spikes, and high cholesterol. Present this info to both doctors and express the desire to participate in lowering therapy with healthy eating.

In other words, I don't know but I do believe, personally, that reducing carbs will assist in reducing cholesterol-with or without the pills. I recall hearing a conversation in the college cafeteria where this guy was havinhg a terrible time reducing his cholesterol even with meds. I wanted to "butt" into the conversation so bad but I didn't know that much. Today, I would butt in.