A man in his 40s from Florida has developed unusual yellow-ish deposits across his skin after several months on a strict, meat-only diet, according to a case newly published in JAMA Cardiology.
What happened to his skin
The man had been noticing painless yellow nodules on his palms, soles, and elbows for around three weeks before seeking medical attention. By that point, he'd been following a carnivore diet, consisting only of meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, some dairy, and water, for roughly eight months.
Doctors diagnosed an extreme case of xanthelasma, a condition where cholesterol builds up visibly under the skin. It most commonly appears around the eyes, though it can show up elsewhere on the body too, as it did in this case.
What caused it
The man had reportedly been eating up to 4kg (around 9lbs) of fatty food a day, including adding extra fat to his meals. His cholesterol level was recorded at over 1,000 mg/dL, more than five times the healthy range for adults. That level of cholesterol overloaded his bloodstream to the point that deposits had begun cracking through his skin in places.
What it means for his health
Xanthelasma has previously been linked to conditions including diabetes and thyroid issues, and is closely associated with high cholesterol more broadly. Beyond the visible marks, doctors note that cholesterol levels this high are linked to serious risks including heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease, along with a potential role in cancer growth and increased dementia risk.
The skin deposits themselves aren't painful, but they don't reverse on their own, even with dietary changes. Removing them requires treatment such as laser surgery or cold liquid nitrogen therapy.
The man reportedly told doctors the diet had also brought him weight loss, more energy, and improved mental clarity, though it's not clear whether he's since changed his eating habits following the diagnosis.
