Why Are Americans So Obsessed With Protein? Blame MAGA. | Vanity Fair (Paywall) (Can also try this).
The author asserts Americans are “obsessed with protein”, and asserts this is due to “MAGA”. Her argument is based on a small selection of social media influencers (mostly) who promote such things as the “carnivore diet” (adopted by as few as 0.01% of the population).
The author has a BA in “written arts”, and has lived in both the U.S. and Canada.
I am definitely not obsessed with protein but living with B-12 deficiency for years and the health effects that caused (including almost killing me), I am now taking B-12 supplements and eating some meat again. It has nothing to do with “MAGA”.
Facts
- An estimated 17% of the U.S. population is following some “diet” at any given time. Some of these are for specific medical reasons such as diabetes – with the largest group of all “dieters” working to lose weight.
- An estimated 2.2% are on a “low carb” diet (which can include high protein both plant and animal-based, high fat/keto, and even those who avoid processed or highly processed carbs – which means avoiding products like sugar and flour.)
- An estimated 0.01% of the U.S. population is eating the carnivore diet
- Per the 2023 Gallup survey, 1% are vegan and 4% are vegetarian – down from 2%/6% about two decades earlier. Per other studies about half of vegetarians are part time – and consume meat from time to time.
Author Keziah Weir has created a column out of thin air that is not based on reality; very few people have become protein obsessed versus the past. Instead, she has written a political opinion column based largely on social media influencers. And to top that off – consuming protein is gendered. What?
Another article she wrote has hints about her own dietary practices: Keziah Weir Stays Rooted With Horseback Riding and Anxiety-Quelling Baths | Vanity Fair
