What Is ‘Tayyibat Diet’ & Why Has Saudi Arabia Issued A Warning Against It?

A diet trend spreading online in parts of the Arab world has now triggered a serious warning from Saudi health authorities. The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia says several people ended up in intensive care after stopping insulin treatment and following the so-called “Tayyibat Diet” instead.

Patients Land In ICU After Replacing Insulin With Viral Tayyibat Diet Trend In Saudi

The issue, according to officials, isn’t just about food choices but people changing medical treatment plans without consulting doctors first. And for diabetes patients, especially, that can go wrong very quickly.

The ministry said some individuals stopped taking insulin completely because of claims circulating online that the diet could manage or even improve chronic illnesses naturally. But doctors are now warning that relying on unproven advice from social media can become dangerous.

Some Patients Believed The Diet Could Replace Medication

The “Tayyibat Diet” has gained attention online over the past few months, mostly through videos and personal testimonials shared on social platforms. Supporters divide foods into “good” and “harmful” categories and encourage followers to avoid a surprisingly long list of ingredients.

In some versions of the diet, people are told to cut out eggs, chicken, lentils, beans, dairy products, several vegetables, and even certain seafood items. Instead, the plan focuses more on foods like rice, potatoes, red meat, dates, and some cheeses.

For many people scrolling online, it probably sounds simple enough to get convinced.

But Saudi health officials say there’s no proper scientific proof showing the diet can replace prescribed treatments for chronic illnesses. And they stressed that stopping diabetes medication without medical supervision could lead to severe complications.

Also Read: Don’t Throw Away Cucumber Peels! Dietician Shares Its Benefits &The Right Way To Eat It

Doctors Are Growing More Concerned About Social Media Advice

Health authorities also pointed out that restricting entire food groups for no medical reason can create nutritional deficiencies over time.

The body still needs balance. Vitamins, protein, fibre, and minerals, all of it matters. Cutting foods randomly because a video online said so can sometimes create new health issues while trying to “fix” another one.

Also, this isn’t the first time health ministries in the region have warned against viral wellness trends. Over the last few years, social media has become flooded with health advice that often sounds confident but lacks proper research behind it.

The ministry urged patients not to stop medication or change treatment plans unless their doctor specifically tells them to do so. Officials also encouraged people to rely on trusted medical sources rather than online claims that spread quickly without evidence.

Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/SewcreamStudio from Getty Images Pro

For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.