Man Loses Over 80kg on Carnivore Diet, Reports Surprising Libido Boost

Boue Marks, a 39-year-old marketing professional from Brisbane, has shed over 80 kilograms (approximately 176 pounds) by adopting a carnivore diet, a regimen that excludes virtually all food groups except meat and eggs. At his heaviest, Marks weighed over 180 kilograms (396 pounds), with his home scales maxing out at 170 kilograms. Five months into the diet, he is now hovering just below 100 kilograms, a weight he has not seen since his late teens.

His previous diet consisted largely of takeaway foods, ice cream, chocolate, and chips, with food often used as a coping mechanism for stress. Determined to make a lasting change after years of yo-yo dieting, Marks committed to a 100-day carnivore experiment in April, documenting his progress on social media. He chose the carnivore diet for its strict rules, which he felt eliminated the "monkey chatter" and decision fatigue associated with food choices.

Marks estimates he adheres to the diet about 98% of the time, consuming scrambled eggs with a low-sugar barbecue sauce for breakfast, half a barbecue chicken for lunch, and beef patties for dinner. He also includes Greek yogurt and vitamin supplements. He supplements his diet with fiber tablets to manage digestive adjustments and maintains an active lifestyle by walking approximately 10,000 steps daily and attending one personal training session per week.

While the physical transformation has been dramatic, Marks also reported an increase in libido and improved mental clarity, feeling more focused and alert throughout the day. He initially experienced some sleep difficulties and constipation as his body adjusted. Despite the positive personal outcomes, Marks acknowledges that the carnivore diet is not a universal solution, suggesting individuals should pursue the eating patterns that best suit them.

Health experts, however, express strong reservations about the carnivore diet. Australian dietitian Hayley Stathis warns against eliminating entire food groups, citing potential negative impacts on digestion and the gut microbiome due to the lack of fiber from fruits and vegetables. Nutritionist and exercise scientist Amelia Phillips notes that the diet can significantly increase LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in some individuals, potentially raising the risk of cardiovascular disease. Given that Marks has not undergone blood tests during his transformation, the impact on these health markers remains unknown. Experts advise consulting a healthcare professional before making drastic dietary changes.

Marks plans to continue his diet for 200 days and hopes to maintain his weight loss long-term, eventually transitioning to a less restrictive approach to prove the sustainability of his transformation.