Carnivore Diet Lands Man in the Hospital With Cholesterol Seeping From Hands

A Florida man’s extreme carnivore diet led to cholesterol seeping out of his skin, as described in a paper published in JAMA Cardiology.

The patient, in his 40s, sought out doctors at the Tampa General Hospital after dealing with yellowish nodules on his palms, soles, and elbows for three weeks.

Eight months prior to experiencing such symptoms, the patient started following a carnivore diet, which involves cutting out carbohydrates and eating nothing but meat and other animal products like dairy and eggs.

His high-fat carnivore diet had the patient consuming pounds of cheese, sticks of butter, and additional fat incorporated into his daily hamburgers. Still, he reported positive benefits from the diet—including weight loss, increased energy, and improved mental clarity.

The patient’s cholesterol level also surged to over 1,000 milligrams per deciliter, a dramatic increase compared to his baseline range of 210 to 300 milligrams per deciliter.

Doctors diagnosed the patient with xanthelasma, a condition where yellowish, flat, or slightly raised patches develop due to cholesterol building up beneath the skin. Typically, they form around the eyes.

“This case highlights the impact of dietary patterns on lipid levels and the importance of managing hypercholesterolemia to prevent complications,” the doctors wrote.

High cholesterol levels can pose significant risks to overall health, primarily by contributing to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Over time, excess cholesterol increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

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