YouTuber's red meat diet led to health concerns

Jake Moscato, a 28-year-old YouTuber, tried a red meat diet for 60 days to see if it would improve his physique. He followed a strict "lion" version of the carnivore diet, consuming only beef and salt. Initially, Moscato struggled to stick to the diet, especially while on vacation in California. He faced challenges finding suitable food options and ended up eating fast food within a week. As the diet progressed, Moscato experienced anxiety, chest pains, and mild depression. After a week, he eased the diet's restrictions to include pork and fruits, which he found more enjoyable. By the end of the 60 days, his mood, energy, and focus improved, and he saw positive changes in his body composition. Blood tests showed that Moskato reduced his body fat from 16% to 14.6% and lost 6 pounds, while also gaining muscle. However, his cholesterol levels increased, with bad cholesterol (LDL) rising significantly. Experts caution that high LDL levels can increase the risk of heart disease. Moscato's testosterone levels increased, but his iron levels also became concerning due to excessive iron consumption. Although he disliked the diet, he plans to continue it with some additions. Health experts recommend a balanced diet, like the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fruits and vegetables for better long-term health. They warn against excessive red meat consumption due to its potential health risks, including heart disease and cancer.