Health
Florida man goes on extreme meat and fat diet for 8 months and suffers shocking side effects
A Florida man’s extreme meat and fat diet led to shocking health effects, with cholesterol literally oozing from his skin after eight months.
In the pursuit of better health, a Florida man in his 40s decided to go all-in on the carnivore diet – a regimen that involves eating only animal products like meat, fish, eggs, and cheese. For eight months, he swore off fruits, vegetables, and grains, relying solely on animal-based foods. At first, the results seemed promising: he lost weight, felt more energetic, and even noticed improved mental clarity. But – you just knew there was a ‘but’ coming, didn’t you? – his extreme approach to the diet soon took a dangerous turn, leading to a shocking health crisis that landed him in the hospital.
Cheese and a diet taken to extremes
What started as a health experiment quickly spiraled into an extreme dietary habit. The man began consuming up to nine pounds of cheese and butter daily, along with copious amounts of fatty meats like beef. While he initially felt great, his body soon sent him a warning he couldn’t ignore.
Three weeks before seeking medical help, he noticed painless yellow lesions appearing on his palms, soles, and elbows. Concerned, he visited Tampa General Hospital, where doctors delivered a startling diagnosis: xanthelasma, a condition caused by cholesterol deposits under the skin. Blood tests revealed his cholesterol levels had soared to over 1,000 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) – more than five times the normal range.
A report by JAMA cardiology stated the following:
‘A man in his 40s presented with a 3-week history of asymptomatic yellowish nodules on his palms, soles, and elbows. The patient adopted a carnivore diet approximately 8 months before presentation. His dietary habits included a high intake of fats, consisting of 6 to 9 lb of cheese, sticks of butter, and additional fat incorporated into his daily hamburgers. He reported weight loss, increased energy, and improved mental clarity. Physical examination revealed multiple painless yellowish nodules on his palms and elbows.
‘The patient’s cholesterol level exceeded 1000 mg/dL (to convert to millimoles per liter, multiply by 0.0259), significantly higher than his baseline of level of 210 to 300 mg/dL. A diagnosis of xanthelasma was made. This case highlights the impact of dietary patterns on lipid levels and the importance of managing hypercholesterolemia to prevent complications.'
The science behind the scare
Doctors attributed the man’s condition to his high-fat carnivore diet. The excessive intake of saturated fats led to severe hypercholesterolemia, a condition where cholesterol levels become dangerously high. Over time, the cholesterol began to leak from his blood vessels, forming visible deposits on his skin. While the lesions themselves are harmless, the underlying issue is anything but.
Cholesterol levels that high dramatically increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening cardiovascular problems. Here’s how the news dealt with the story at the time.
Being careful with extreme diets
This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of extreme dietary practices. While the carnivore diet has gained popularity for its reported short-term benefits – like weight loss and increased energy – it can also lead to serious health complications if not carefully managed. Health experts emphasize the importance of consulting with medical professionals before embarking on any restrictive diet and regularly monitoring cholesterol levels to avoid unforeseen consequences.
Balance and moderation is key
The Florida man’s story is clearly just another cautionary tale for anyone considering an all-meat, no-vegetables approach to eating. While the carnivore diet may work for some in the short term, it’s not without risks. As this case shows, extreme diets can have extreme consequences—especially when they involve nine pounds of cheese a day.
So, before you dive headfirst into the next dietary trend, remember: moderation and balance are key. And maybe, just maybe, leave the cheese board for special occasions.
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