Influencer Claims She Lost 30 Lbs. Eating Meat, Sticks of Butter, Congealed Oxtail Fat and ’12 to 16 Eggs a Day’

Influencer claims she lost 30 lbs. by eating a diet consisting of meat and sticks of butter. Isabella “Bella” Ma, known as Steakandbuttergal on social media, shared that her carnivore diet, which includes red meat, cold butter, and eggs has helped her shed weight and improve her skin condition. While she defends her high LDL cholesterol levels, experts warn that such a diet could be detrimental to heart health. Dr. Nisha Parikh, a women’s heart health specialist, cautions that high LDL cholesterol levels, often referred to as “bad cholesterol,” can lead to heart disease and stroke due to plaque buildup in the arteries.

Ma’s diet also includes unconventional foods such as congealed boiled oxtail fat and consuming 12 to 16 eggs a day. She claims that her diet has not only helped her lose weight but also cleared up her cystic acne, psoriasis, and improved her PMS symptoms. While Ma’s diet shares similarities with popular low-carb, high-fat diets like Keto or Atkins, she proudly excludes vegetables from her meals. She has received backlash for concerns about the effect of her diet on her heart health, prompting her to share blood work results comparing her vegan and carnivore diets.

Despite the positive changes in some markers, such as an increase in HDL cholesterol and a decrease in triglycerides, Ma’s LDL cholesterol levels have significantly risen. While she seeks validation from a cardiac surgeon to defend these numbers, experts like Dr. Parikh stress that sustained consumption of high levels of saturated fat could lead to atherosclerotic plaque formation in blood vessels, potentially resulting in heart disease or stroke. The concern is heightened by the long-term implications of such a diet on overall heart health.

Parikh highlights that while Ma’s initial cholesterol levels from her vegan diet were in a healthy range, the extreme transition to an all-meat, all-fat diet may not be advisable for the general population. Numerous studies over the years have linked cholesterol, particularly LDL cholesterol, to an increased risk of heart disease. While short-term weight loss may be achieved with extreme diets, the long-term consequences, including potential damage to the heart, blood vessels, and overall health, should not be overlooked.

The debate surrounding Ma’s diet sheds light on the importance of maintaining a balanced and varied diet for overall health and well-being. While social media influencers like Ma may tout the benefits of unconventional diets, it is crucial for individuals to consult with healthcare professionals and nutritionists before making drastic changes to their eating habits. The story serves as a reminder of the complexities of nutrition and the significance of evidence-based dietary choices in promoting long-term health and wellness.