'Tayyibat diet' gains traction in Morocco as users claim impact on living costs and prices on social media

Recently, the “Tayyibat system,” developed by the late Egyptian doctor Diaa Al-Awadi, has gained wide traction on social media in Morocco, with many people adopting it and viewing it as a low-cost alternative to cope with rising living costs in the country.

This dietary system divides foods into two categories: “harmful and toxic foods,” which should be avoided because they are said to cause inflammation, and “good foods,” which are considered easier to digest and closer to a liquid form, helping reduce bloating, indigestion, and digestive strain.

It also advises eating only when truly hungry and stopping when full, without counting calories or following fixed meal times, drinking water only when thirsty, and following periods of intermittent fasting to allow the body time for repair and renewal.

But in Morocco, the conversation has focused less on its claimed health benefits and more on its perceived impact as a way to cope with rising living costs.

In a video, a TikToker named Hanane argued that since adopting the Tayyibat system, “living costs have dropped,” noting a noticeable decrease in prices for several items, including kiwi at MAD 15 instead of MAD 20 and bananas at MAD 10 instead of MAD 16, among others.

Another TikTok user echoed the same sentiment, saying “the Tayyibat system has made everything cheaper,” while another also claimed it helped bring prices down and called for continued boycotts to reduce prices further.

Many social media users believe the system has also helped reduce egg and poultry prices, since both are prohibited under the dietary rules set by Al-Awadi.

Egg prices in Morocco have dropped from around MAD 1.50 to about MAD 0.65–0.80. A similar trend has been observed in Egypt, where prices reportedly fell from around 140 pounds to 80 pounds, according to media reports.

However, professionals say the price drop in Morocco is mainly due to a supply surplus on the market, driven by higher production as well as improved farming and distribution conditions.

Amid these claims of lower living costs, experts are now warning about the potential health risks of Dr. Al-Awadi’s recommendations.

The system prohibits drugs such as aspirin, cholesterol medications, antibiotics, antacids, and antidepressants.

It also restricts common medicines such as fever reducers, painkillers, and vitamins, and bans foods like pasta (including oat-, lentil-, and wheat-based types) and all kinds of salads.

It further prohibits processed grains such as white bread and pasta, along with dairy products and plant-based milks like almond and coconut milk, while restricting most vegetables.

On the other hand, it allows sugar, cream, butter, fries, and rice on a regular basis. Meat, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, legumes, and fruits are consumed weekly with limits, while processed triangle cheese, chips, and dark chocolate are allowed occasionally.

“The Tayyibat system cannot be considered a scientific diet, but rather a set of advice that can be harmful to health,” Tayeb Hamdi, a researcher in health policy and systems, told Hespress English.

He stressed that a physician is expected to provide advice based on scientific evidence, not personal beliefs or opinions.

On March 10, Egypt’s Ministry of Health and the Egyptian Doctors’ Syndicate revoked Diaa Al-Awadi’s license, closed his medical facility, and struck him off the medical register over the spread of misleading medical advice.

He was referred for disciplinary action after allegedly promoting guidance that contradicted established medical standards and could endanger patients’ health. Nearly 40 days later, he died in the United Arab Emirates at the age of 47.

Hamdi strongly criticized the system’s restrictions on eating times, noting that “irregular meal timing and constant snacking can negatively affect metabolic health.”

He also rejected the claim that water should only be consumed when thirsty, saying it is not scientifically supported and can be risky, especially for older adults, as it may lead to dehydration and related kidney and cardiovascular complications.

The expert stressed that many of the system’s recommendations “are neither logical nor scientifically founded.”

To curb the circulation of misleading medical content, Egypt’s Supreme Council for Media Regulation has ordered all media outlets and social media platforms to stop publishing or sharing any content attributed to Al-Awadi, following warnings from the Ministry of Health and the Egyptian Medical Syndicate over material deemed harmful to public health and potentially dangerous to lives.

Egypt has also introduced rules governing doctors’ media appearances to regulate medical content and protect the public from misinformation, while stressing the need to balance free expression with professional medical and media standards.