Why do German adults start a carnivore diet?
What the Evidence Shows
What we've found so far is that most German adults who start a carnivore diet do it to feel better, especially if they are dealing with long-term health issues [1]. The evidence we've reviewed leans toward this being a health-driven choice, often linked to existing medical conditions.
Our analysis of the available research shows that about two-thirds of these adults have a diagnosed health condition, such as an autoimmune disease or weight-related issue, and they turn to the carnivore diet as a way to improve their well-being . This suggests that the motivation behind starting the diet is largely rooted in personal health goals rather than trends or convenience. We don’t have data on other possible reasons, like environmental or ethical concerns, so our current analysis focuses only on health as the primary driver.
It’s important to note that what we’re seeing reflects self-reported motivations—people say they’re trying to feel better—and we can’t determine from this evidence whether the diet actually leads to improved health outcomes. We’re also looking at a limited number of assertions—just one clear data point—so our understanding is still narrow. There’s no evidence in this set that contradicts the idea that health improvement is the main reason, but we can’t rule out other factors due to lack of data.
Based on what we've reviewed so far, health concerns appear to be a central reason German adults consider this dietary change. But since the evidence is limited, our analysis may shift as more data becomes available.
Practical takeaway: If you’re in Germany and thinking about going carnivore, you’re likely not alone in doing it to manage a health issue—but always talk to a healthcare provider before making big diet changes.