This Man Has a Raw Meat Addiction: Doctors Say NO!
© TLC & © Eiliv Aceron / Unsplash
Meet Weston, a 40-year-old man who is not like any other man of his age. (And no, he is definitely not a pick-me!) He has a habit that while it can be considered extraordinary, is also very risky. This habit has landed him a spot in the limelight. Weston has talked about his raw meat addiction. An eating preference that costs him over $9,000 annually. He loves eating uncooked chicken with his bare hands, and bites into raw beef like there’s no tomorrow! This is the story of Weston, the man who shared his lifestyle on TLC’s “My Strange Addiction: Still Addicted?”.
The Raw Meat Addiction
Weston, a participant on TLC’s My Strange Addiction, has sparked controversy due to his unyielding commitment to a raw meat diet. He is eating raw meat even after being diagnosed with E. coli during a recent visit to the doctor. The episode, titled “Still Addicted” captures the tension as Weston’s physician strongly advises him to abandon his raw meat consumption. This is due to the presence of the potentially harmful bacteria commonly found in the lower intestine. Despite the health concerns raised by the doctor, Weston appears resolute in his decision to persist with his unconventional eating habits. This has generated heated discussions and strong reactions from viewers.
How Did His Addiction Begin?
Weston recounts a traumatic experience where he suffered a severe headache and a subsequent major seizure. This resulted in a shattered jaw and cracked teeth. Feeling left in the dark by doctors regarding the cause of his seizure, Weston decided to take control of his health. He explored a diet involving the consumption of raw meat, believing it to be a fast and effective means of healing.
However, the practice of eating raw or undercooked meat carries the risk of salmonella, a bacterial disease causing various symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, headache, and blood in the stool. The Mayo Clinic notes that salmonella sends a significant number of people to the hospital each year in the US.
Doctors React to Weston’s Raw Meat Addiction
Weston, aged 40, has garnered attention for his extraordinary consumption of over 4,300 pounds of raw meat in just four years. Concerned about his peculiar addiction, his mother persuaded him to consult a gastroenterologist, Dr. Marc Scheer. Following a stool sample analysis, Dr. Scheer expressed profound apprehensions about Weston’s health. Despite the doctor’s warnings, Weston, armed with unconventional research insights, asserted that he might possess knowledge beyond mainstream doctors.
Dr. Scheer elaborated on the potential risks, emphasizing that the abnormal strain of E. coli found in Weston’s stools, likely linked to his raw meat diet, could lead to severe complications such as renal or kidney failure, and even death. The episode sheds light on the clash between Weston’s unconventional beliefs and the doctor’s conventional medical advice, leaving viewers intrigued and concerned about the consequences of his extreme dietary choices.
How Weston Replied
Weston sought clarification from the doctor, asking if E. coli is normally found in the intestines. The doctor affirmed this but specified that the strain found in Weston was unusual. Dr. Scheer explained that even a single serving of chicken, beef, or neurologic tissue like brains and eyeballs could lead to severe complications. Advising Weston to avoid raw meat, organ tissue, brains, and raw beef and chicken, Dr. Scheer emphasized the potential risks. Weston expressed appreciation for the advice.
Despite the doctor’s warnings, Weston asserted that he would likely continue eating raw meat. He mentioned that if he starts feeling unwell, he would consider seeking medical attention but, until then, he plans to persist with his unconventional diet, expressing a nonchalant attitude by saying, “I’ll just probably keep on trucking.”
How People on the Internet Are Reacting to Weston’s Raw Meat Addiction
The TLC clip featuring Weston’s raw meat-eating habits has been uploaded to YouTube, prompting numerous viewers to share their reactions in the comments. One viewer expressed feeling physically sick watching Weston consume raw animal flesh, highlighting the seriousness of the situation with E. coli. Another commenter criticized Weston’s arrogance in challenging a doctor’s advice based on internet research.
Several viewers found Weston’s actions gross and questioned his refusal to follow medical recommendations. One person wondered how Weston wasn’t experiencing severe physical reactions, while another acknowledged the doctor’s role in guiding but emphasized the individual’s responsibility for change. The diverse comments reflect a range of opinions on Weston’s choices and the influence of medical advice.
What are you addicted to?
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