Several high-ranking Trump administration officials are reportedly adhering to a dietary regimen known as the "living carnivore diet," developed by Dr. Sean O’Mara, who also advises Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The diet, which eschews sugar, alcohol, and processed foods in favor of grass-fed meats and fermented items like sauerkraut and kimchi, is purported to offer weight loss, improved skin, and enhanced digestive function.
O’Mara, an emergency medicine physician and health optimization expert, claims the diet can lead to bowel movements that are fast, odorless, and require no wiping. He stated in an interview that when following the plan, "Animals in the wild have no residual stool on their anus." He further elaborated, "I could have a bowel movement behind a sheet at a dinner party in the corner of the room and nobody would know."
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., 72, reportedly adopted the diet last year after meeting O’Mara and has attributed his 20-pound weight loss, reduction in chronic pain, and alleviation of atrial fibrillation symptoms to the regimen. Vice President JD Vance began the diet during Lent at Kennedy's suggestion and has continued it since.
Other officials reportedly following similar eating patterns include Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The trend coincides with a growing interest in gut health and the resurgence of fermented foods, which are rich in prebiotics and probiotics that can support a healthy gut microbiome, aiding digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function.
However, the diet's claims have drawn skepticism from outside experts. Gastroenterologists point out that a diet heavily reliant on meat and low in fiber could lead to constipation. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist, noted that a significant shift in bowel habits following a diet change can indicate an imbalance. He also warned that some individuals on high-meat diets experience the opposite problem, with loose stools that may suggest fat malabsorption.
Concerns have also been raised about potential health risks associated with diets high in red meat and animal fat. Some experts caution that such diets could lead to dangerously high cholesterol levels or other serious health issues. O’Mara, whose consulting services are reportedly priced at $18,000, advises followers to gradually incorporate fermented foods into their diet to allow the gut microbiome to adapt.