Newsweek Article Explores Carnivore Diet Debate Sparked by Ray Hicks' Viral TikTok Video
Dr. Philip Ovadia, a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon and expert in metabolic health, was recently featured in Newsweek to discuss the blood test results of Ray Hicks, a 27-year-old carnivore diet advocate whose TikTok video went viral, amassing over a million views. Hicks shared his blood work after a year on the controversial diet, raising questions about cholesterol and its role in heart disease. Dr. Ovadia provided expert insight, addressing the growing debate over Hicks' elevated cholesterol levels.
In his TikTok, Hicks revealed a total cholesterol of 275 mg/dL, above the recommended levels, but also highlighted his low triglyceride-to-HDL ratio, which many experts, including Dr. Ovadia, consider a better indicator of heart disease risk. Dr. Ovadia emphasized that cholesterol alone doesn’t tell the full story, pointing out that Hicks' low inflammation markers and lack of insulin resistance suggest that his cholesterol may not be as concerning as traditional guidelines would indicate.
Dr. Ovadia further explained that cholesterol in the context of low-carb or carnivore diets is different from that in high-carb diets. While cholesterol should not be ignored, its interpretation requires nuance, particularly in those following non-traditional eating patterns like Hicks.
This interview showcases Dr. Ovadia's holistic approach to heart health, stressing the importance of personalized care that looks beyond simple cholesterol numbers. To learn more, check out the full Newsweek article.
