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When most people tell their doctors they’ve gone carnivore, they’re met with fear, confusion, or flat-out resistance. But why? In this conversation with Dr. Tony Hampton, we break down why so many doctors are scared of carnivore, how to work within the medical system without giving up your health journey, and whether you really need your doctor’s permission to heal.
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Title: Why many doctors oppose the carnivore diet — discussion with Dr. Tony Hampton (board-certified physician & metabolic health expert)
Core question
- Why do many doctors dislike or discourage a carnivore (“proper human”) diet?
Key points from the conversation
- Medical training bias: Standard guidance emphasizes low-fat, high-carbohydrate patterns (e.g., DASH/old food pyramid with multiple daily servings of grains and fruits). When patients propose the opposite, many clinicians label it “dangerous.”
- Lipids & risk markers: Rather than focusing on total LDL alone, the discussion emphasizes:
- LDL particle characteristics (small/large particles)
- Triglyceride:HDL ratio (target: <2)
- Apolipoprotein ratios (ApoB:ApoA1) in the normal range
- Inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR) in the normal range
- Metabolic health measures: waist/belly size, blood pressure, blood sugar
- Statin default: In conventional care, elevated LDL often leads directly to a statin recommendation, without broader metabolic context.
- Fiber myth: The claim that fiber is required for bowel movements is challenged; examples given that carnivores (animals and people) have normal bowel function without fiber.
- Protein/kidney concern: Carnivore/keto are characterized as high-fat, moderate-protein (not “high-protein”). Protein is not presented as harmful to kidneys in general; adjustments may be needed for existing kidney disease.
- Evidence landscape:
- A “Harvard study” is cited as showing favorable outcomes among people following carnivore, but it was observational; more randomized controlled trials are needed for clinician confidence.
- Because carnivore is a ketogenic pattern, existing keto evidence is presented as supportive while awaiting carnivore-specific RCTs.
- Practice realities:
- Many physicians lack formal nutrition education; even proponents working inside large health systems aim to educate peers and integrate low-carb care.
- Not all patients need to be strict carnivore; many benefit from moving toward low-carb.
- Patient approach:
- Share personal results and data respectfully; request monitoring of meaningful markers.
- If a clinician is unwilling, consider finding a carnivore/low-carb-friendly doctor; patient autonomy over diet is emphasized.
- Institutions & outlook:
- Mentions professional groups (e.g., Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners) working on outreach.
- Optimism expressed about broader institutional and policy openness to metabolic-health approaches.
Referenced paper(s) with DOI
- Lennerz BS, Mey JT, Henn OH, Ludwig DS. “Behavioral Characteristics and Self-Reported Health Status among 2029 Adults Consuming a ‘Carnivore Diet’.” Current Developments in Nutrition (observational survey). https://doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzab133
My doctor hasn't told me not to do carnivore, he has recommended statins, and has told me my LDL is dangerously high. I might tell him it's a zero fibre diet and see what he thinks
Maybe he will do the density profile of your ldl, or do a CAC score for you!
Maybe