Excess weight mediates changes in HDL pool that reduce cholesterol efflux capacity and increase antioxidant activity.

•Multiple and complex relationship exists between HDL functions and excess weight.•BMI is inversely associated with HDL-mediated inhibition of platelet aggregation and CEC, but directly associated with the antioxidant activity.•Decreased HDL concentration, size or function are related to increased atherosclerotic burden and increased BMI.