US Man Goes On Carnivore Diet, Cholesterol Leaks From His Body

In a bizarre case, a man from Florida, US, experienced cholesterol visibly oozing from his body after following the carnivore diet for eight months. The man, in his 40s, walked into a Tampa hospital with painless, yellow eruptions on his palms, soles, and elbows—something he had been noticing for three weeks.

Doctors were stunned when tests revealed his cholesterol levels had skyrocketed to over 1,000 mg/dL—a dangerously high level, considering anything above 240 mg/dL is already considered high risk. His case, recently published in JAMA Cardiology, is a stark reminder of how extreme diets can have serious health consequences.

A Diet High In Fat, Low In Balance

The carnivore diet, a stricter keto, consists entirely of animal products—meat, fish, eggs, and dairy—while eliminating fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds. Supporters claim it aids in weight loss, mental clarity, and energy boosts. The Florida man reported similar benefits, saying he had lost weight and felt more energetic than ever.

But his diet also included excessive amounts of butter (over 4 kg per week), cheese (2.7 kg), and daily high-fat burgers**. This extreme fat intake likely led to a condition called xanthelasma, where excess lipids (fats) leak out of blood vessels and form visible deposits under the skin.

When Cholesterol Becomes Visible

Typically, our bodies manage cholesterol levels through the liver and white blood cells that clear out excess fats. However, in this case, the sheer volume of cholesterol was so high that it started oozing out of his blood vessels, becoming visible on his skin.

Doctors haven’t disclosed the man’s treatment plan but emphasized the importance of managing hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) to prevent complications like heart disease, stroke, and organ damage.

Health Risks Of Extreme Dieting

While high-protein, low-carb diets can have benefits, medical experts caution against following them long-term without supervision. According to Harvard Medical School, prolonged adherence to the carnivore diet may increase the risk of **kidney stones, osteoporosis, and metabolic disorders.

This unusual case highlights the importance of balance in nutrition. Diet trends may promise quick results, but extreme restrictions can have unintended consequences. Experts recommend a more sustainable approach—including a variety of nutrient-rich foods—to maintain both weight and overall health.

Can Cholesterol Be Good?

Cholesterol often carries a negative connotation, but it plays an essential role in maintaining overall health, particularly heart health. Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in every body cell and is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that help digest fat. However, not all cholesterol is created equal. It is important to differentiate between "good" and "bad" cholesterol to understand its impact on heart health.

- LDL Cholesterol: Often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, high levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. According to a study published in the *Journal of the American College of Cardiology*, individuals with elevated LDL levels are at a significantly higher risk for coronary heart disease.

- HDL Cholesterol: In contrast, HDL is known as "good" cholesterol. It helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream, transporting it to the liver for excretion. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. A study conducted by the American Heart Association found that individuals with high HDL levels experienced a 25% reduction in heart disease risk compared to those with low levels.