Despite his death and official bans, the health advice of Diaa al-Awadi continues to circulate, leaving followers with severe medical complications.

Diaa al-Awadi, an Egyptian doctor dismissed from his university position for promoting unscientific medical views, gained a massive following by advocating for a restrictive diet he called al-Tayyibat. Although he died in April, his influence persists as followers continue to share his content, which discouraged conventional treatments like insulin and chemotherapy. Many patients, including those with diabetes and lupus, have suffered severe health consequences after abandoning medical care to follow his system.

The al-Tayyibat system and its impact

Al-Awadi’s system prohibited chicken, eggs, dairy, and legumes while permitting items like jam and cigarettes. He claimed the body could heal itself through diet and cited personal interpretations of the Qur’an as medical evidence. Despite having no peer-reviewed research or clinical trials, he built a following of over a million people. In February 2026, the Egyptian Medical Syndicate permanently revoked his license for promoting dangerous, unscientific advice.

Drivers of medical misinformation

Experts attribute the rise of such influencers to a combination of institutional distrust, high costs of formal healthcare, and social media algorithms that create an illusion of consensus. In Egypt, where over 57% of health expenses are paid directly by patients, informal medicine often fills the gap left by an underfunded public health system. While some followers initially reported improvements due to reduced caloric intake or the placebo effect, many later experienced significant health deterioration.