The Pulse

Benecol® launch "Women Against Cholesterol"

A cluttered room

Did you know that following the menopause, women are likely to have a higher cholesterol level – which is in turn associated with an increased chance of heart problems? Our research shows that 78% of British women didn't!1

What's more, nearly half the women we surveyed thought that the decline in oestrogen during the menopause either has no effect on or reduces cholesterol levels, when in fact it often causes an increase in bad (LDL) cholesterol1.
We found that 88% of the women aged between 55-64 that we surveyed have raised cholesterol2. It is important to be aware of this change during the menopause, since general health advice is to keep your cholesterol level low in order to help maintain a healthy heart.
Doctor & Patient
Because Benecol® are serious about cholesterol, we want to do everything we can to raise awareness about the issues facing women, and what they can do to take control of their cholesterol.
That's why we're launching the "Women Against Cholesterol" campaign. It's designed to empower women across the UK to get their cholesterol levels checked and take action. As part of the campaign, Benecol® will be providing free cholesterol testing and advice in four cities in England throughout June.
We'll be visiting Bristol on the 11th to 12th June (Broadmead Shopping District), Oxford on the 13th to 14th June (Gloucester Green), Birmingham on the 16th to 17th June (Chamberlain Square) and Leeds on the 18th (Briggate) to 19th June (Dortmund Square). If we're in your area, please do come along and visit us.
Research shows that 80% of cardiovascular problems can be reduced through simple lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, taking more exercise, giving up smoking and allowing more time to relax.
Of course, one thing that's clinically proven to help you control your cholesterol is to take the recommended amount of Benecol® every day. Thanks to the unique active ingredient, plant stanol ester, which works with the body to lower cholesterol, just one bottle of Benecol® yogurt drink a day can lower bad (LDL) cholesterol by up to 14%, when enjoyed as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle3.

References:

  1. All statistics come from The Cholesterol Report, which was conducted by independent research company, Consumer Analysis Limited, in February 2008. The research was carried out on 1,000 women aged between 25 and 65 years of age across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The number of interviewees across each region match the density of population.
  2. CHD Statistics 2007: Blood Cholesterol. Ch.10 of the British Heart Foundation Coronary Heart Disease statistics. Published July 2007.
  3. Law M. Plant sterol and stanol margarines and health. British Medical Journal, 2000;320: 861-864.