An expert has warned that a telltale sign of a dangerous health condition can appear under the skin. This symptom of high cholesterol could be irreversible and is affecting people with diets high in saturated fats.
Having high cholesterol means you have too much of a fatty substance known as cholesterol in your blood. Over time this can build up in the arteries causing them to harden and even lead to blockages.
This is a major risk factor for medical emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, health bodies advise that you want to keep your cholesterol levels low.
What is even more concerning about high cholesterol is the fact that it is often symptomless, meaning many people will not realise they have it until it triggers another health issue. But there is an unusual sign that can appear under the skin – particularly if you follow a specific diet.
Nutritionist and personal trainer Luke Hanna took to social media platform TikTok to explain how yellow deposits under the skin could mean you have high cholesterol. These deposits, which are known as xanthomata, are not that common but could affect you if you partake in the carnivore diet.
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This is a diet that has grown in popularity in recent years, and consists entirely of meat and animal products, excluding all other foods. As a result, this diet can be low in vitamin C, folate, and fibre, while high in saturated fat – a major cause of high cholesterol.
Speaking to his more than 750,000 followers, Luke said: “Can we please just talk about how unhinged it is that people on the carnivore diet are eating so much fat and cholesterol that it is leading to a visible buildup of fatty deposits under the skin? This condition is known as xanthelasma.”
He showed some images of a man’s hands taken from a real-life case study in which you can clearly see yellowing under the skin. Luke continued: “Now this chap was supposedly eating three to four kilos, or six to nine pounds, of cheese per day, as well as sticks of butter and burgers because, you know, balance.
“His cholesterol levels exceeded 1,000 milligrams per decilitre. To put it into perspective, this is five times higher than the 200 milligram per decilitre recommended upper limit.”
“And by the way, this is not the only example of this happening to someone on the carnivore diet.” Luke clarified that the most common area of the body to notice these yellow lumps is around the eyes.
He also added that once these lumps form it is hard to get rid of them. Luke said: “Although it often presents around the eye area, as you can see. And once they have formed, you can’t really get rid of them by changing your diet or even by using cholesterol lowering medications, you would likely have to resort to surgery or chemical peels- reason 101 not to do this diet.”
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The scientific case study referenced by Luke was published in JAMA Cardiology journal this year. Authors wrote: “A man in his 40s presented with a three-week history of asymptomatic yellowish nodules on his palms, soles, and elbows.
“The patient adopted a carnivore diet approximately eight months before presentation.” They added: “This case highlights the impact of dietary patterns on lipid levels and the importance of managing hypercholesterolemia to prevent complications.”
Xanthelasma is listed by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) as a sign of high cholesterol, although the charity states it is most common in people with familial hypercholesterolemia – meaning it is a genetic condition.
The yellow lumps are most common around the knuckles and eyes, the charity says. Other signs include a pale white ring around the coloured part of your eye (your iris).
To lower your cholesterol levels, the NHS recommends you:
- Eat less fatty food
- Exercise more
- Stop smoking
- Cut down on alcohol.
Regarding the carnivore diet, Healthline warns: “No controlled studies support claims that the carnivore diet can help eliminate health issues. It lacks beneficial nutrients, including fibre and plant compounds like antioxidants. It may be unsafe for some people.”