A 40-year-old man's extreme carnivore diet, consisting of 6-9 pounds of butter, cheese, and hamburgers daily for eight months, resulted in the development of xanthelasma, a rare condition characterized by yellow cholesterol deposits under the skin. The case highlights the potential long-term risks associated with drastic dietary changes.
A man in his 40s was admitted to Tampa General Hospital with a peculiar affliction: yellowish lumps of cholesterol developing on various parts of his body. His unusual dietary habits, influenced by online advice, had led him to embark on an extreme carnivore diet for eight months. His daily intake consisted of a staggering 6-9 pounds of butter, cheese, and hamburgers, completely devoid of any carbohydrates such as bread or sugar.
Initially, the man reported feeling invigorated by his new regimen. He experienced weight loss, increased energy levels, and improved mental clarity. However, after eight months, a troubling development occurred: yellow lesions appeared on his eyelids. Over the subsequent month, these lesions spread to the palms of his hands, the soles of his feet, and his elbows. Medical professionals diagnosed him with xanthelasma, a rare condition affecting about 1% of individuals with high cholesterol. Xanthelasma manifests as raised, yellow deposits of cholesterol beneath the skin, a consequence of the body's inability to process it effectively.Dr. Konstantinos Marmagkiolis, an interventional cardiologist at Tampa Heart, Tampa General Hospital, and USF Health, co-authored a study on the patient for JAMA Cardiology. Despite the lesions being painless, the high cholesterol levels raised serious concerns. The patient had undergone annual cholesterol checks for five years, which consistently remained normal. However, his cholesterol levels soared fivefold after adopting the extreme carnivore diet. Dr. Marmagkiolis explained that the carnivore diet, a type of ketogenic diet, involves eliminating carbohydrates and consuming only meat and animal products. The rationale behind this approach is that by cutting out carbohydrates, the body will utilize fat for energy, leading to weight loss. However, he cautioned that abruptly reducing carbohydrates and sugars can trigger a state called deep ketosis, where the body produces ketones for energy. While this can initially provide stable energy and promote rapid weight loss, it also increases the risk of developing health complications. Dr. Marmagkiolis stressed the importance of gradual dietary changes, recommending a low-carb diet initially followed by a more balanced approach. He advised consulting with a healthcare professional or cardiologist, particularly if considering long-term adherence to the carnivore diet, to monitor cholesterol levels closely.The patient's case serves as a stark reminder that extreme dietary modifications can have unforeseen consequences. While the carnivore diet may offer initial benefits, its potential long-term risks, including elevated cholesterol and the development of xanthelasma, cannot be ignored. Dr. Marmagkiolis emphasizes that xanthelasma, while treatable aesthetically by dermatologists, remains a permanent condition even if cholesterol levels are managed. These lesions act as a warning sign, indicating the body's struggle to process cholesterol and hinting at the possibility of developing atherosclerosis - the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries - which significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Carnivore Diet Cholesterol Xanthelasma Heart Health Dietary Risks
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Carnivore Diet Leads to Cholesterol So High it Leaked From Patient's SkinA Florida man's extreme carnivore diet resulted in dangerously high cholesterol levels, causing yellowish nodules to erupt from his skin. The case study highlights the potential dangers of a diet lacking in essential nutrients and fiber.
Read more »
Carnivore Diet Triggers Yellow Bumps, Highlighting Cholesterol RisksA man's carnivore diet led to the development of xanthelasma, a harmless skin condition caused by high cholesterol. This case highlights the potential health risks associated with extreme dietary choices.
Read more »
Man Develops Yellow Lumps From Extreme Butter, Cheese and Hamburger DietA 40-year old man developed a rare condition called xanthelasma after following a strict carnivore diet for eight months, consuming large amounts of butter, cheese, and hamburgers. The condition resulted in yellow cholesterol deposits appearing on his eyelids, palms, soles of feet, and elbows. Doctors warn that extreme diets can lead to dangerous spikes in cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Read more »
Mediterranean Diet Ranked as Best Diet by U.S. News & World ReportThe Mediterranean Diet tops the list of best diets according to U.S. News & World Report's latest ranking. The report evaluated a wide range of eating plans, considering factors like health benefits, ease of following, and nutritional value.
Read more »
Mediterranean Diet Reigns Supreme as 'Best Diet' for 2025The Mediterranean diet has once again been crowned the best diet of 2025 by U.S. News & World Report. This lifestyle approach, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and nuts, has topped the rankings since 2019. This year's report features a new five-star rating system where diets are ranked based on overall health benefits, ease of following, and other factors. The Mediterranean diet, alongside the DASH and flexitarian diets, received 4-plus stars.
Read more »
Mediterranean Diet Tops Best Diet List for Eighth YearThe Mediterranean diet has been ranked the best overall diet for the eighth consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report. Experts evaluated 38 different diets based on nutritional completeness, health risks and benefits, long-term sustainability, and evidence-based effectiveness. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fresh produce, fish, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. Other top diets include the DASH Diet and the flexitarian diet.
Read more »