Meatstock 2024: Carnivore Diet Devotees Defy Doctors in Tennessee

Over 1,400 people gathered in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, for Meatstock, a three-day carnivore convention celebrating a diet of animal products only. Among the attendees were Lisa and Phil Moss, who travelled from Alberta, Canada, to join the event. The convention drew followers of the controversial diet, many of whom reject mainstream medical advice. The event featured speeches from allies of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal advocate of the carnivore diet. Kennedy has claimed the diet can eliminate dangerous body fat. Speakers included Calley Means, Zen Honeycutt, Vani Hari, and Alex Clark, all of whom support the diet’s supposed health benefits.

Attendees shared personal stories about healing ailments like arthritis and mental illness by switching to meat-only meals. Many expressed distrust in conventional medicine, accusing it of profiting from patients. Some, like Veronica Eggleston, 24, even replaced sunscreen with tallow-based products as part of their dietary shift. Serena Musick, a carnivore influencer, stated she no longer wanted to be 'normal' if it meant enduring health struggles. Meanwhile, most doctors warn against excessive red meat consumption, disputing the diet’s claimed benefits. Convention-goers, however, remained firm in their belief that meat could replace prescription medications.

Meatstock highlighted the growing divide between carnivore diet followers and mainstream health advice. The event reinforced the community’s rejection of traditional medicine in favour of animal-based eating. Doctors continue to caution against the diet’s long-term risks, but attendees left the convention more convinced than ever.