People in Germany who ate only meat for about a year saw their bad cholesterol and overall cholesterol go up a lot, according to one small study.

What we've found so far is that the evidence we've reviewed leans toward a carnivore diet increasing cholesterol levels in adults after one month. Our analysis of the available research shows both total cholesterol and LDL (often called “bad” cholesterol) tend to rise on a meat-only diet. We looked at two assertions, and both were supported by evidence, with no studies refuting them [1,2]. One small study focused on people in Germany who followed an all-meat diet for about a year. We found that their LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels increased significantly over time [1]. Another assertion, backed by the same body of evidence, states that adults on a carnivore diet for a month or longer generally experience notable increases in these cholesterol markers, which may be linked to a higher risk of heart disease [2]. It’s important to note that the total number of assertions we analyzed is very small—only two—and each is supported by 27.0 studies or data points, though we don’t have details on whether those are the same studies repeated across both claims. Because of this, we can’t be certain how broad or high-quality the underlying research is. There is no evidence in our review that contradicts these findings, but the overall amount of data is limited. Our current analysis does not allow us to say how this effect might vary between individuals, or whether other factors like age, sex, or pre-existing health conditions play a role. We also don’t have enough information to determine if the changes in cholesterol stabilize over time or what the long-term health implications might be. Practical takeaway: If you’re trying a carnivore diet, it may be worth checking your cholesterol after a month, especially if you have a history of heart issues. The evidence we’ve reviewed so far suggests levels tend to go up, but we don’t yet know what that means for everyone.