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A weight loss doctor has warned that eggs - often hailed as a diet hero - could be behind unexplained weight gain, bloating and fatigue for thousands of people. From gym-goers to TikTok influencers, eggs have long been promoted as the perfect high-protein breakfast. Some health bloggers even boast of eating five or six eggs a day to "stay full and lean".
But according to Professor Franklin Joseph of Dr Frank's Weight Loss Clinic, eggs are one of the UK's most underdiagnosed food intolerances - and for sensitive individuals, they could be doing more harm than good.
"People assume that because eggs are natural and packed with protein, they must be good for everyone," Prof Joseph said. "But that's simply not true. For some, they can trigger inflammation, gut issues, and even weight gain."
Food intolerances aren't the same as allergies - you won't break out in hives or need an EpiPen - but they can cause a cascade of issues that affect weight, mood and metabolism.
"What we see in clinic is that people often turn to eggs as a healthy option when trying to lose weight," Prof Joseph explained. "But if your body can't digest them properly, it can lead to bloating, fluid retention, low energy and even hormonal disruption - all of which make weight loss harder."
With the rise of carnivore and animal-based diets on social media, Prof Joseph says more people are copying influencer habits without knowing what works for their own biology. "Just because it worked for someone online doesn't mean it will work for you," he said. "We're seeing a real surge in patients who followed extreme animal-based diets only to find themselves feeling worse - or gaining weight despite cutting carbs."
Intolerance symptoms can be subtle, including sluggishness, stubborn belly fat, headaches, or cravings later in the day - especially after a high-protein breakfast. Prof Joseph urges anyone struggling to lose weight despite a "clean" diet to get properly checked.
"If you feel like you're doing everything right but still not seeing results, an intolerance could be the missing piece," he said. "Don't assume a food is healthy just because it's trending."
Food intolerance tests are now available to order online, with clinics like Dr Frank's offering a simple at-home option to help identify personal triggers. "It's not about cutting eggs out for everyone," Prof Joseph added. "But if your body doesn't tolerate them, they're not helping - no matter how many grams of protein they contain."