1 in 5 Americans has no idea diet affects their cholesterol. Physicians are the fix.

A national survey finds that 1 in 5 U.S. adults has no idea that diet directly affects blood cholesterol — and among the 80% who do know, social media is nearly as influential as their doctor. The findings, from a PCRM/Morning Consult poll of 2,200 adults fielded in May 2026, land at a critical moment: updated ACC/AHA lipid guidelines now call for earlier screening and individualized LDL targets, putting dietary counseling squarely back on the clinical agenda.

The data also reveal widespread confusion about which foods help versus harm. More than a third of respondents believe chicken lowers cholesterol risk — it doesn't. Physicians remain the single most trusted source of dietary guidance, but only for patients who already have some awareness. The rest aren't getting the message anywhere.