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# "Paleo" Diet Leads to Worsening Cholesterol
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/paleo_diet_cholesterol_0422140617/
- Published: 2014-04-22T19:11:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-15T14:07:19.000Z
- Description: Forty-four healthy adults followed a Paleo diet with circuit training for ten weeks; LDL cholesterol rose 12.5 mg/dL, total cholesterol 10.1 mg/dL and triglycerides slightly. The worst outcomes came in those healthiest at the start, and the authors say the diet may negate exercise gains.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Diet, Nutrition, #vivvo-import

The “Paleo” diet worsens cholesterol levels, according to a new study in the *International Journal of Exercise Science*.

Researchers put 44 healthy adults on a “Paleo” diet including lean meat, fish, eggs, nuts, fruit, and vegetables, as well as on a circuit training program.

After ten weeks, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol increased by 12.5 mg/dL and total cholesterol by 10.1 mg/dL. Triglycerides also increased slightly. The worst outcomes were seen among the subgroup that had been the healthiest before starting the diet.  
  
The authors noted that any improvements from the exercise program may be negated by the “Paleo” diet.  
  
Smith MM, Trexler ET, Sommer AJ, Starkoff BE, Devor ST. Unrestricted Paleolithic diet is associated with unfavorable changes to blood lipids in healthy subjects. *Int J Exerc Sci.* 2014;7:128-139.  
  
Dr. Steven T. Devor is the corresponding author for this study; email [devor.3@osu.edu](mailto:devor.3@osu.edu?subject=Paleo%20Diet).

(The paleo diet is also know as "Paleolithic diet", "paleodiet", "caveman diet", "Stone Age diet", and "hunter-gatherer diet" added by editor)