If adults eat only meat for a month or more, their bad and total cholesterol levels go up a lot — so much that about half end up with LDL cholesterol above the healthy range.

What we've found so far suggests that eating a carnivore diet — meaning only meat — for at least one month may raise both total and LDL cholesterol levels in adults. Our analysis of the available research shows this effect is notable, with evidence indicating a strong trend toward increased cholesterol levels on this diet. We analyzed 27.0 supporting assertions and found no studies that refute this pattern [1]. The evidence we've reviewed indicates that when adults consume only meat for a month or longer, their LDL ("bad") cholesterol and total cholesterol levels tend to rise significantly. According to the data, this increase is large enough that around half of those following the diet end up with LDL cholesterol levels above what is generally considered healthy [1]. Our current analysis does not include any studies showing a decrease or no change in cholesterol levels from this diet. However, we emphasize that our understanding is based on the evidence reviewed so far, which may expand or shift as more data becomes available. We cannot say how other outcomes — like heart disease risk or weight changes — are affected, nor can we determine how individual factors like age, sex, or pre-existing health conditions might influence these cholesterol changes. The evidence we've reviewed leans toward the conclusion that a strict carnivore diet over a month or more is linked with higher cholesterol levels. Still, we do not have enough information to say how consistent this effect is across all individuals or what long-term impacts it might have. Practical takeaway: If you're considering a meat-only diet, be aware that what we've seen so far suggests it could raise your cholesterol levels — possibly into a range that doctors often flag as a concern.