Are Any Celebrities on the Carnivore Diet? Famous Followers Revealed

December 14, 2025 •

4 min read

In recent years, the carnivore diet has gained significant traction, fueled partly by endorsements from public figures. This highly restrictive eating plan, which involves consuming only animal products, has been embraced by numerous celebrities seeking to improve their health. Their stories, often shared on social media and podcasts, have brought this controversial diet into the mainstream conversation.

Quick Summary

Several prominent public figures, such as podcaster Joe Rogan and psychologist Jordan Peterson, have adopted the carnivore diet. Their personal testimonials describe varied health changes, from weight loss to managing autoimmune symptoms, though not all experiences were uniformly positive.

Key Points

Celebrities are on the carnivore diet: High-profile figures like Joe Rogan, Jordan Peterson, and Heidi Montag have publicly discussed their experiences with the carnivore diet.
Prominent advocates: Mikhaila Peterson is a key advocate, having created the 'Lion Diet' to manage her autoimmune issues, and influenced her father, Jordan Peterson, to adopt the lifestyle.
Not all experiences are positive: While some report benefits like weight loss and reduced inflammation, others, like Joe Rogan, experienced significant digestive issues during the initial phase.
Health experts are critical: Mainstream nutritionists and health experts express significant concern over the carnivore diet's restrictive nature and potential for nutrient deficiencies due to the elimination of all plant foods.
Influencers play a role: Former orthopedic surgeon Shawn Baker and Paul Saladino have been instrumental in popularizing the carnivore diet through their books and social media presence.
Requires medical consultation: Due to its extreme and controversial nature, anyone considering the carnivore diet should consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian.

Famous Figures Who Have Followed the Carnivore Diet

Many prominent individuals have publicly detailed their experiences with the carnivore diet. These anecdotes, shared on podcasts, social media, and interviews, have greatly contributed to the diet's visibility and popularity. It is important to note that these are personal stories, not medical advice, and the diet is considered highly controversial by mainstream nutritionists.

Joe Rogan

Podcaster and comedian Joe Rogan is perhaps one of the most recognizable names to have publicly explored the carnivore diet. In January 2020, he famously undertook a 30-day challenge, sharing his journey with millions of followers on Instagram. He reported significant weight loss, stating he dropped 12 pounds, and also experienced improvements in his vitiligo, a skin condition he has suffered from for years. However, Rogan also candidly spoke about the unpleasant initial digestive adjustments, including a period of what he called 'explosive uber diarrhea'. Ultimately, he found the experience very beneficial but did not commit to the diet long-term.

Jordan and Mikhaila Peterson

The father-daughter duo of psychologist Jordan Peterson and his daughter Mikhaila are two of the most vocal advocates for the carnivore diet. Mikhaila pioneered the 'Lion Diet,' an even stricter version consisting of only beef, salt, and water, after battling severe autoimmune conditions for years. She credits the diet with dramatically improving her symptoms and has built a large online platform documenting her and others' stories. Inspired by his daughter's success, Jordan Peterson adopted the diet to address his own long-term health issues, including depression, gastric reflux, and autoimmune flare-ups. He has frequently discussed feeling intellectually sharp and experiencing a complete remission of his ailments, though he has faced some pushback and skepticism.

Shawn Baker

As a former orthopedic surgeon, champion indoor rower, and social media personality, Shawn Baker has become a central figure in the carnivore movement. He has long advocated for the diet, believing it offers a pathway to optimal health and athletic performance. His book, The Carnivore Diet, helped formalize and popularize the eating plan for a wider audience, positioning him as a leading authority in the community.

Heidi Montag

Reality TV star Heidi Montag made headlines when she experimented with a raw meat version of the diet. Motivated by health and fertility goals, she shared her unconventional regimen on social media, sparking intense public debate. Her anecdotes, like those of many others, highlighted the diet's perceived benefits for energy and well-being, though such extreme variations come with their own set of health risks and challenges.

Chris and Mark Bell

Powerlifting brothers Chris and Mark Bell have also been public about their experiences with carnivore eating. Chris, who claims to have tried the diet as early as 1994, documented his journey during the research for his film, The War on Carbs. While not as strict as some followers, Mark Bell has also been a carnivore diet enthusiast, sharing his love for the lifestyle on social media.

The Allure of an All-Meat Diet for Celebrities

Why have so many celebrities gravitated toward such a restrictive and unconventional diet? Here are some of the commonly cited reasons:

Relief from Autoimmune Issues: Some followers, like Mikhaila Peterson, report that eliminating all plant-based foods has helped alleviate chronic autoimmune symptoms by removing potential dietary triggers.
Weight Loss and Body Composition: For individuals like Joe Rogan, the diet led to rapid weight loss and reduced bloating, which can be a motivator for those in the public eye.
Mental Clarity and Energy: A number of anecdotes, including Jordan Peterson's, suggest that the diet can improve mental focus, mood, and overall energy levels.
Simplicity: The strictness of the diet can be appealing to some, as it removes the guesswork and decision fatigue associated with more complex meal plans.

Carnivore vs. Ketogenic Diet: A Comparison

While the carnivore diet is often compared to the ketogenic diet due to their low-carb nature, they are distinct. The carnivore diet is a subset of ketogenic eating, but even more restrictive. Here is a brief comparison:


Feature	Carnivore Diet	Ketogenic Diet
Food Sources	Exclusively animal products (meat, fish, eggs, some dairy).	Primarily high-fat, moderate-protein foods. Includes non-starchy vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Carbohydrate Limit	Essentially zero carbs.	Very low carb (typically under 50g net carbs per day).
Exclusions	All plant-based foods (fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, legumes).	Grains, sugars, most fruits, legumes, and starchy vegetables.
Primary Goal	Often addresses autoimmune issues, inflammation, and anecdotal relief.	Induces ketosis for weight loss, energy, and metabolic health.

The Risks and Mainstream Perspective

Despite the positive accounts from some celebrities, the carnivore diet is not without its risks and significant scientific scrutiny. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's Walter Willett, for example, has called the carnivore diet a 'terrible idea,' citing potential long-term health consequences. A major concern is the elimination of fiber and essential nutrients found only in plant-based foods, potentially leading to deficiencies and other health problems. Critics also point to the high intake of red meat and saturated fat, which has been linked to increased risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses by countless scientific studies.

Outbound link: For a balanced perspective on the risks and health implications of the carnivore diet, see the insights provided by Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health: Carnivore diet a 'terrible idea'.

Conclusion: Navigating the Carnivore Trend

The stories of celebrities on the carnivore diet have undoubtedly captured public attention and influenced many to experiment with the approach. While individuals like Joe Rogan and the Petersons have shared compelling testimonials of improved health and vitality, it is crucial to remember that their experiences are anecdotal and do not substitute for professional medical advice. The diet's extreme nature and potential for nutrient deficiencies are significant concerns for mainstream health experts. Anyone considering such a restrictive diet should consult a healthcare professional to ensure it aligns with their personal health needs and is implemented safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Several celebrities have publicly tried the carnivore diet, including Joe Rogan, Jordan and Mikhaila Peterson, Heidi Montag, former surgeon Shawn Baker, and powerlifters Chris and Mark Bell.

No, Joe Rogan did not commit to the carnivore diet long-term. He completed a 30-day challenge and reported both positive outcomes, like weight loss, and negative side effects, such as digestive issues.

Jordan Peterson began the carnivore diet to address long-term health issues, including depression, gastric reflux, and autoimmune problems. He was inspired by his daughter Mikhaila Peterson's success with the diet.

Mikhaila Peterson's 'Lion Diet' is a more restrictive version of the carnivore diet, where she consumes only beef, salt, and water. She developed this regimen to help manage her severe autoimmune conditions.

Many mainstream health experts and nutritionists express significant concerns about the carnivore diet. They warn that eliminating all plant-based foods can lead to nutrient deficiencies and potential long-term health consequences.

Yes, some athletes have experimented with the carnivore diet. This includes people like former surgeon Shawn Baker and powerlifters Chris and Mark Bell, though many professional athletes keep their specific nutritional strategies private.

The long-term safety of the carnivore diet is highly debated and largely unproven. With a lack of long-term scientific studies and the absence of essential nutrients like fiber, it is considered potentially risky by many health professionals.