A leading nutrition expert has raised concerns about the risks of a popular diet trend that could harm people’s health. Dr. Federica Amati, a nutritionist and author at Zoe, a health science company founded by Tim Spector, issued the warning after new research revealed a troubling link between red meat consumption and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The diet in question, known as the “carnivore diet,” encourages followers to eliminate plant-based foods entirely, focusing instead on eating only animal products like meat, fish, eggs, and some dairy. This extreme approach also cuts out fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts, forming a strict “zero carb” plan. Similar to ketogenic diets, it relies on ketosis, a state where the body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.
In a recent Instagram post, Dr. Amati challenged the claims made by some supporters of the carnivore diet, who argue that red meat can prevent metabolic diseases. She emphasized that consuming too much red meat, particularly several times a week or daily, increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Dr. Amati explained that metabolic health depends on a balanced diet, with fiber playing a key role. She warned, “If you’re getting most of your calories from red meat, it will impact your health.”
She pointed to a study showing a direct connection between higher red meat consumption and elevated levels of HbA1c, a measure of blood glucose over time.
Dr. Amati also recommended a healthier diet to support metabolic health. She suggested following the Mediterranean diet, which includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and extra virgin olive oil. For animal protein, she recommended oily fish. The NHS also supports this Mediterranean approach, which emphasizes plant-based foods while allowing moderate amounts of fish, chicken, and low-fat dairy.
Professor Tim Spector, who co-founded Zoe, has long advocated for the Mediterranean diet, citing its positive effects on health. He highlighted the importance of consuming a wide range of fruits and vegetables, live microbes found in dairy products, and the benefits of olive oil, which is rich in polyphenols that support gut health. Professor Spector believes that understanding the role of microbes in our bodies can help us make better dietary choices for a healthier life.
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