This article discusses topics related to dieting and weight loss that may be distressing for some readers.
A YouTuber has shared the unexpected effects of adopting a carnivore diet on his blood test results.
In March 2023, Patrick weighed 301 pounds and struggled with basic physical activities like climbing stairs. He described feeling like a ‘prisoner’ in his own body due to his size and health issues, which made him ‘miserable,’ as reported by Mail Online.
Dealing with depression and fatigue after working as an HVAC technician in Nebraska, and unable to engage with his young son, Patrick sought a major lifestyle change and chose to try a carnivore diet.
According to Healthline, “The carnivore diet is a restrictive diet that only includes meat, fish, and other animal foods like eggs and certain dairy products. It excludes all other foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds.”
Patrick began consuming a diet consisting of a 16-ounce steak, a pound of ground beef, and a half-dozen eggs each day. After a year, his life underwent significant changes, with his weight dropping to 140 pounds, leading to improved sleep and increased energy.
Healthline notes that while there may be early benefits such as improved blood pressure, reduced belly fat, and enhanced cardiovascular health, the long-term effects of such a diet are uncertain.
Two years later, Patrick shared on YouTube that he continued to experience the positive impacts of his health journey.
However, the effects of a diet so rich in meat on bloodwork and heart health remain a concern. Healthline cautions that due to the diet’s restrictive nature and exclusion of major food groups, it can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney disease.
Receiving frequent comments about red meat being harmful, Patrick decided to look into the matter further.
Four months into the carnivore diet, he underwent blood tests. By this stage, he had lost 50 pounds and reported feeling much better.
He shared that “Everything came back really good,” with his triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol all in good ranges. However, his testosterone levels were ‘dangerously low’.
After a year on the diet and losing 120 pounds, another set of blood tests showed that his sodium, potassium, creatinine, calcium, and fasting blood sugar levels were also ‘great’.
“Everything was perfect except my testosterone again,” he mentioned.
Patrick’s video outlines that despite adhering to the carnivore diet for nearly two years and achieving significant improvements in many areas, it did not resolve his low testosterone levels.
By July 2024, he began feeling ‘terrible again’, struggling with anxiety and depression, and experiencing ‘zero energy’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VllmTv5wys
Continuing with his carnivore diet while incorporating small amounts of fruit, Patrick had his blood tested again after a year and a half, only to find that his testosterone levels were even lower.
Consulting a urologist, it was recommended that he begin testosterone replacement therapy, which helped him feel ‘way better’, with increased energy and improved mental health.
Patrick believes that his low testosterone levels were a consequence of consuming too much processed food.
He concludes, “This is where I’m at now. I just hope it continues to improve everything with my overall health.”
Before making any dietary changes, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your health.
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties or is in crisis, support is available through Mental Health America. You can call or text 988 to connect with a 24-hour crisis center, or visit 988lifeline.org for webchat support. Alternatively, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.