Harvard Medical Student Shares Surprising Results After Switching To A Vegan Diet

Nick Norwitz didn’t switch to a vegan diet for a TikTok challenge. He did it because the math of it looked clean: fewer saturated fats, no dietary cholesterol, and more fiber. Then his bloodwork came back, and the “better for your heart” story didn’t match his results.

As a Harvard medical student, he tracked what changed, and one number refused to cooperate. Despite eating less total fat and zero cholesterol, his LDL cholesterol spiked. He even pointed to earlier research showing an inverse association between BMI and LDL on low-carb diets, which only made the whole situation feel more tangled, not less.

So the real plot twist is this, going vegan didn’t automatically mean his “bad” cholesterol would behave.

Nick Norwitz discovered that his low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol spiked when he switched to a vegan diet.

Nick Norwitz; iStock

"Despite eating less total fat, less saturated fat, more fiber, and zero cholesterol on the vegan diet, my total LDL cholesterol actually went up."

Nick Norwitz

Nick also noted that earlier studies have shown there is an "inverse association" between a person's BMI and their LDL cholesterol levels while consuming a low-carb diet.

Nick Norwitz; iStock

Nick didn’t just notice the spike, he broke down the macronutrients from his vegan meals to figure out what might be driving the LDL increase.

Then he connected his experience to research that links lower BMI with higher LDL cholesterol when people eat low-carb, even though his diet switch wasn’t exactly that.

To mitigate adverse effects like those experienced by Nick Norwitz, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider or nutritionist during dietary changes. Incorporating fortified foods or supplements can help maintain essential nutrient levels, ensuring a smoother transition to veganism.

Nick Norwitz’s vegan LDL surprise has the same “don’t make it worse” energy as the AITA where OP refused to invest in a brother’s failing business.

a well-respected neurologist, dietary changes can significantly influence cholesterol levels.

The Harvard student broke down the macronutrients he was consuming.

Nick Norwitz; iStock

Nick explained there is a scientific link between lower BMI and higher LDL cholesterol.

Nick Norwitz; iStock

The complications got even more specific when he warned that some vegan staples, especially highly processed ones and refined carbs, can throw cholesterol in the wrong direction.

And just like that, the “simple switch” turned into a tighter game plan, whole foods, soluble fiber, and healthier fats like avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.</p>

Of course, many other factors can contribute to an increase in bad cholesterol.

"It's important to stay away from highly processed foods and refined carbohydrates (sugar), which are common in many vegan items," he explained. Genetics also play a significant role in the way a person metabolizes cholesterol.

If you're keen on trying a vegan diet, it is important to "increase soluble fiber, focus on whole foods, which are minimally processed, and incorporate healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil into your diet."

As reflected in Nick Norwitz's experience, transitioning to a vegan diet doesn't guarantee improved health outcomes for everyone.

Incorporating a range of whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables can not only support health but also help stabilize cholesterol levels. For those who struggle with dietary changes, working closely with a nutritionist can offer tailored strategies to achieve a healthier balance.

His vegan glow-up came with a lab report plot twist, and now he’s stuck asking why his LDL didn’t get the memo.

Wait, your roommate demanded luxury upgrades and a bigger rent split, what did you do? Read the AITA about refusing the unequal rent split.