High cholesterol is a genetic issue on both side of my family unfortunately. Both of my parents have high cholesterol and take lipitor. Neither of them are overweight, the have always been healthy eaters, very active. Nevertheless, they also have cholesterol issues. I also have high cholesterol, mostly still a genetic thing. I was overweight at one point, but have lost quite a bit. My cholesterol numbers improved some, but are still considered high. My doctor hasn't really pushed medication as so far it has improved some with a bit of weight loss. He's just keeping an eye on it at this point.

Now, did you discuss the whole LDL vs HDL thing with your doctor too? I'm absolutely no expert on that end of it, but I know the ratio is an important consideration. With a level of over 300 though, I'd perhaps reconsider the medication issue maybe, at least until I had the weight down and my numbers were at least headed in the right direction.