In a dramatic turn of events highlighting the risks of social media-driven health fads, a prominent advocate of the extreme carnivore diet, widely known as the “Liver King,” has publicly admitted he was “wrong” about the purported benefits of eating only animal foods—including raw organs like testicles and liver. The revelation, made in a new Netflix documentary, is prompting renewed scrutiny of restrictive diets promoted online and stoking important conversations about nutrition, health, and disinformation for audiences in Thailand and beyond (UNILAD).
The “Liver King,” an internet personality from the United States, rose to global fame by showcasing a hyper-masculine physique and a lifestyle centered on eating organ meats and avoiding virtually all plant-based foods. His family participated in these practices, consuming bull testicles, bone marrow, and raw organs on camera, as part of his self-styled “ancestral way.” He insisted the carnivore diet resolved his children’s health problems and allergies, attracting millions of followers and spawning a lucrative supplement business.
Yet, in the latest Netflix documentary “Untold: The Liver King,” he confesses that shunning fruits, vegetables, and grains led to self-imposed deprivation and negative physical consequences: “I was so convinced all the carnivore stuff… I’m convinced now I was starving myself. I guess I want the world to know I was wrong. I got it wrong. I got all of it wrong. Like an extreme approach to anything probably ain’t f***ing working out,” he reflects.
This admission comes after much controversy. The Liver King’s empire was threatened in 2022 when leaked emails exposed that he had in fact been taking performance-enhancing drugs—contradicting his repeated assurances that his physique was solely the result of his diet and ten lifestyle “tenets.” He has since acknowledged misleading the public and spoken about the personal toll of such dishonesty.
The carnivore diet, which involves eating exclusively animal products and excluding all plant-based foods, has gained international popularity on social media but has consistently come under fire from health experts. As highlighted in recent reports and expert commentary, the lack of fiber, vitamins, and phytonutrients in such a diet raises concerns about long-term cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and hormonal health. For example, a UK-based doctor recently issued a public warning to women, stressing that the carnivore diet may disrupt hormonal balance and possibly affect fertility (Daily Mail). Australian medical commentary similarly questions whether raw-meat diets may increase cardiovascular risks (Couriermail).
Most peer-reviewed medical literature remains cautious about the carnivore diet’s health implications for humans. While certain ketogenic or low-carb diets may show benefits in special contexts—such as specific metabolic or neurological disorders—the all-meat-everything approach is widely regarded as deficient and potentially hazardous (Business Insider).
The Liver King’s acknowledgment echoes what nutritionists and dietitians have long emphasized: an “extreme approach to anything” in nutrition is unlikely to be optimal for most people. Registered dietitian Manaker notes that the total exclusion of plant foods can deprive the body of essential nutrients and lead to gut health problems, citing particular concern for fiber deficiency—crucial for digestion and preventing chronic diseases (Delish). Additionally, the high intake of saturated fats and cholesterol in the carnivore diet raises red flags regarding heart disease risk.
In the Thai context, where traditional diets combine a rich diversity of grains, vegetables, herbs, and protein sources, the idea of a strict carnivore diet diverges sharply from local culinary wisdom. Thai health authorities and nutrition academics have encouraged a return to balanced food patterns, recalling the “healthy Thai diet” with emphasis on vegetables, legumes, and moderate meat consumption (ThaiJO). Recent studies point to a worrying decline in vegetable and fruit consumption across the country, potentially due to the influence of Western diet fads and hectic urban lifestyles.
Interestingly, plant-based diets are rapidly gaining momentum in Thailand—outpacing carnivore trends and supported by market research indicating Thai consumers’ growing interest in health, sustainability, and ethical eating (Mintel; ThaiPBS). That said, a niche community of carnivore enthusiasts does exist locally, sharing personal transformation stories online (TikTok), but there is little scientific evidence supporting drastic all-meat regimens for Thai populations.
Thai medical experts, while respectful of individual dietary experiments, point out that the country’s epidemic of chronic disease—especially diabetes and cardiovascular disease—would only be exacerbated if population-wide diets shifted to exclude plant foods. A public health nutritionist from a leading Bangkok hospital explained that “Fiber from fruits and vegetables is essential for gut health and disease prevention. We should promote moderation and variety, not extremes.” This sentiment is echoed globally by organizations such as the World Health Organization and the American Heart Association.
Historically, Thai cuisine offers a rich model for nutritional harmony—its balance of fresh vegetables, lean proteins, herbs, and fermented foods aligns well with scientific principles of health and longevity. Street foods, home-cooked meals, and traditional celebrations all center a diverse plate—contrary to diet fads that promote single-food dominance.
The recent public reversal by the Liver King may serve as a cautionary tale for Thais considering imported dietary regimens. His journey through health obsession, internet celebrity, and eventual admission of error reaffirms the need for skepticism and critical thinking in evaluating health claims. As he concludes, personal “enlightenment” means accepting what one does not know and evolving one’s thinking. “Like an extreme approach to anything probably ain’t working out,” he concedes, adding a new personal tenet: “evolve.”
For Thai readers, the lesson is clear—seek moderation, diversity, and evidence-based guidance in nutrition. Thai culinary heritage provides a strong foundation for health, and while exploring new culinary trends can be enriching, extreme or exclusionary diets carry real risks. Consulting medical professionals or registered dietitians before adopting major dietary changes remains the best approach.
For those curious about the carnivore diet or similar trends in Thailand, practical steps include reading reliable scientific summaries, discussing plans with healthcare providers, and examining how such regimens might conflict with long-term wellness and Thai cultural values.
For more information, see:
- UNILAD: Why Liver King who eats testicles and organs says he was wrong about intense carnivore diet
- Daily Mail: Doctor’s urgent warning to women over trendy diet that could wreck chances of motherhood
- Business Insider: The carnivore diet is touted for weight loss and improved health — but is it actually safe?
- Mintel: Thailand Plant-based Diet Trends Report 2025
- ThaiJO: A Comparison of a Healthy Thai Diet and Contemporary Diet