Jenny McCarthy has made a dramatic claim about her dietary journey, saying that going fully vegan nearly cost her life. The actress and TV host now swears by a carnivore diet, insisting that it has significantly improved her health. Her statements come amid renewed national debates over nutrition, weight loss trends, and government policies on food and drug regulations.
The Bigger Picture on Health and Diet in America
The United States is in the midst of a dietary reckoning. With obesity rates soaring and weight-loss drugs like Ozempic dominating headlines, Americans are re-evaluating their eating habits. Meanwhile, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent appointment as the Secretary of Health and Human Services has further stirred the pot, given his controversial views on food regulation, vaccines, and public health policies.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every U.S. state had an obesity rate above 20% in 2022, with 17 states exceeding 35%. The South had the highest regional rate at 36.3%. National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies reveal that obesity rates have tripled since the 1960s, while morbid obesity has increased tenfold.
At the same time, Ozempic has shifted from a diabetes treatment to a mainstream weight-loss trend, further fueling the ongoing discourse about diet and health.
McCarthy’s Experience: ‘I Was Literally Dying’
McCarthy, 52, opened up about her health transformation on the Heal Squad podcast, hosted by Maria Menounos. She shared that her battle with celiac disease led her to try different diets, including a vegan approach, which she claims was a disaster.
“I tried vegan and I almost died,” McCarthy told Menounos. “I literally almost died.”
Menounos pressed for details. “What do you mean?” she asked.
“I became so ill, like I was literally dying,” McCarthy explained. “I was exhausted, fatigued, I was a mess. So, I went on a low-histamine diet; I went on every one of ’em. Finally, my functional medicine doctor said to me last year, ‘It’s time for you to go full carnivore.'”
At first, McCarthy resisted. “I’m from Chicago, so I can handle it, but it just felt very low vibrational heavy for me,” she said. “I was more of a salmon and lighter foods kind of person. But I figured it was my last resort, so I gave it a try. It has been f****** incredible for me.”
Vegan vs. Carnivore: What Experts Say
Vegan diets eliminate all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs, focusing on plant-based nutrition instead. Health experts generally recommend a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and plant-based proteins to maintain balance. But is veganism right for everyone?
Dr. Robert H. Shmerling of Harvard Health Publishing analyzed a U.K. study in 2019 that found vegetarians and vegans had a lower risk of heart disease but a potentially higher risk of stroke. “If confirmed, these findings will complicate the way we look at plant-based diets,” he noted.
Researcher Tammy Tong from the University of Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Population Health echoed similar concerns in 2020. “Vegans are at a higher risk of B12 deficiency since the nutrient is only naturally available from animal foods. Low B12 levels may be linked to higher stroke risk,” she said.
On the carnivore side, Shawn Baker, a former orthopedic surgeon and leading advocate of the all-meat diet, has been vocal about its benefits. “At 53, I feel 20 years younger than I am,” Baker said in 2024. “We also know that eating a meat-based diet stabilizes glucose levels, especially for those used to high-carb diets. Some people experience improved mental clarity, reduced anxiety, and emotional stability—what we call the ‘carnivore calm.'”
Public Reactions and the Political Angle
McCarthy’s claims are bound to spark debate, especially as nutrition and health policy remain hot-button issues. She and her husband, Donnie Wahlberg, endorsed Kennedy’s presidential campaign in 2023, aligning themselves with his stance against ultra-processed foods.
Kennedy’s recent announcement that he plans to cut 10,000 jobs across major health agencies, including the FDA and CDC, has added another layer to the ongoing conversation. The Wall Street Journal reported that these cuts will primarily target regulatory departments, reinforcing Kennedy’s belief in reducing government influence over personal health choices.
What’s Next in the Diet Debate?
With celebrities, politicians, and scientists weighing in on what Americans should eat, the conversation isn’t dying down anytime soon. While McCarthy’s experience is personal, it feeds into a larger cultural shift where people are experimenting with diets that challenge conventional nutrition advice.
As debates over meat, processed foods, and alternative diets continue, one thing is clear: what we eat is now a political, medical, and deeply personal issue.
