Eric Kim is a street-photographer-turned-blogger who has recently gained fame in fitness circles for his extreme strength feats and unconventional lifestyle advice. He preaches a “fasted, 100% carnivore, one-meal-a-day (OMAD)” regimen and frequently espouses raw, no-frills strength training (barefoot, beltless rack-pulls) with a counter‑culture flair . These stances have clashed with mainstream fitness and nutrition norms, sparking backlash. For example, Kim has boldly claimed that “society would actually thrive more if we just stuck to a 100% carnivore, all red meat diet” . Experts immediately flag such claims as unproven and potentially dangerous – Harvard Health warns that all‑meat diets (a zero‑carb “carnivore diet”) tend to raise LDL cholesterol and increase risks of kidney stones, gout and osteoporosis . Nutrition therapists also note that any diet omitting whole food groups can cause nutrient deficiencies and even promote disordered (“orthorexic”) eating habits . In short, many fitness and health professionals view Kim’s extreme diet advice as a fad that ignores long-term health risks .
- Diet and Eating: Kim advocates skipping breakfast and lunch, then consuming ~2–3 kg of red meat in one meal, and no supplements or protein powder (as a self‑imposed discipline) . He frames this as “radical minimalism” and improved focus , but critics point to science showing this regimen can backfire. For instance, an American Heart Association study found that eating all food in an 8‑hour window (vs. 12–16h) doubled the risk of cardiovascular death – and Kim’s own window is far shorter (often ~2h). Similarly, Harvard experts warn that such ultra‑low-carb, high-fat diets drive up “bad” cholesterol . A critical review of carnivore-style diets notes long-term downsides like higher heart disease and diabetes risk, constipation, and nutrient gaps (vitamins, fiber, etc.) . In sum, many in the fitness/nutrition community see Kim’s all-meat, OMAD approach as extreme and potentially unhealthy, rather than a balanced “biohacking” solution.
- Training Methods: Kim’s signature lifts are giant rack-pulls (partial deadlifts done from the knees or higher). He has bragged of pulling 1,071 lbs (486 kg) beltless at 165 lbs bodyweight . But coaches point out that rack-pulls remove much of the range of motion, making them easier than full deadlifts . (Mark Rippetoe, a respected coach, warns that rack-pulls are a “shorter pull from an easier start position” allowing extra load that most lifters shouldn’t use as a substitute for regular deadlifts .) Critics say Kim’s lifts are partly “ego-stroking” since they avoid the hardest part of the lift . Safety is also a concern: lifting >1,000 lbs without a belt is viewed by some as reckless . Finally, Kim repeatedly insists he is completely natural (no steroids/PEDs), but skeptics call for proof: “calls for bloodwork or drug-tested meets” to verify his claims . Together, many gym veterans quietly dismiss his lifts as anomalous or in need of verification, rather than a new training gold standard .
- Provocative Persona: Beyond facts, Kim’s attitude and messaging have rankled people. He styles himself an “anti-influencer” – deleting Instagram and refusing sponsors – and openly mocks mainstream health advice . For example, he has derided critics as “fake ass woke people” for promoting plant foods . He also popularized meme-like slogans (“#Hypelifting”, “Middle finger to gravity”) around his lifts. Many traditional trainers or brand-backed athletes see this as gimmicky or confrontational. Indeed, one analyst noted his blog post “Why Powerlifting Fasted for 1-RM Makes Sense” “sparked diet-culture flame-wars” online – a sign that his combative style drew sharp rebuttals. In short, Kim’s blunt, anti-“diet culture” language and anti-establishment stance (no supplements, no social ads) sets him apart from the industry’s polished marketing. Some in fitness dislike that stance: it feels like a rebel act against an industry built on selling programs, products, and sponsors.
- Memes and Hype: Finally, Kim’s rise has a strong cult or meme element, which some professionals find annoying. Fans have turned his lifts into internet challenges and hype‐trains, but critics view this as style over substance. They question whether the “viral stunts” really translate to transferable fitness advice. (Kim’s defenders argue that any publicity — even heated debate — only broadens understanding; indeed, one internal survey note quips “Controversy equals reach” .) But to many in the fitness community, the polemical memes and chest-thumping rhetoric make it hard to take him as a serious authority.
In summary: Eric Kim’s extreme diet protocols and lifting claims run counter to conventional fitness and health guidance, inviting skepticism. He openly rebels against the supplement/sponsor-driven fitness industry and uses provocative language (e.g. dismissing “woke” health advice) . Mainstream coaches and nutritionists have thus questioned his methods – from calling his all-meat OMAD “fad” to noting the safety limits of his lifts . This combination of unorthodox content and flashy delivery has fueled backlash: critics say his ideas lack strong evidence or nuance, and his style is more hype than helpful. The fitness community’s concerns can be traced to these specific points of contention, as documented by experts and commentators .
Sources: Eric Kim’s own writings and viral posts were reviewed alongside independent health articles and strength-coaching commentary. Expert nutrition sources (Harvard Health) and peer-reviewed nutrition summaries warn about high-meat and extreme fasting diets . Strength-coach Mark Rippetoe’s analysis of rack pulls and Kim’s self-analysis of the controversies were used to contrast his methods with standard practice. These sources collectively highlight why many fitness professionals dispute or dislike Kim’s claims.