Unrecognised food sensitivities may be undermining people's health and contributing to unwanted weight gain, a leading weight loss specialist has cautioned.
Professor Franklin Joseph warned that while digestive problems and bloating are well-known symptoms, food intolerances can also interfere with hormonal balance, increase inflammation and disrupt metabolic function.
The medical expert identified three frequently occurring food triggers that repeatedly emerge in clinical practice but remain undetected in many individuals.
These sensitivities can make losing weight particularly challenging, especially in the abdominal area, according to Professor Joseph, who heads Dr Frank's weight loss clinic.
Food intolerances can disrupt metabolic function
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Lactose and casein sensitivities can manifest beyond digestive symptoms, potentially causing skin problems, emotional fluctuations and blood sugar imbalances.
"Dairy intolerance doesn't always show up as a stomach problem," Prof Joseph explained. "For some people, it can worsen acne, trigger mood swings, and even affect blood sugar control."
The specialist explained that milk proteins and hormones may excessively stimulate insulin production, resulting in energy fluctuations among sensitive individuals.
"If your body struggles to digest dairy, it can lead to systemic inflammation," he added. "And that can make weight loss harder, especially around the middle."
This inflammatory response can significantly impede metabolic efficiency and fat reduction efforts.
Coeliac disease isn't a prerequisite for experiencing adverse reactions to gluten, according to Professor Joseph's clinical findings.
"For some people, gluten triggers low-grade inflammation that affects energy levels, mood, thyroid function and even menstrual cycles," he explained. "It's not just about bread and pasta - it's about how your body reacts to them."
Symptoms frequently include mental fatigue, joint discomfort, menstrual irregularities and persistent weight accumulation in the lower abdominal region.
Regarding soy products, Professor Joseph highlights their potential hormonal effects. "Soy can be tricky," he said. "While it's seen as a healthy plant protein, it contains phytoestrogens - compounds that mimic oestrogen in the body."
These plant-based compounds can disrupt natural hormonal patterns in susceptible people, potentially affecting premenstrual symptoms, water retention and body fat patterns.
"It doesn't affect everyone - but if you're struggling with hormonal weight gain and you eat a lot of soy, it's worth testing," Professor Joseph noted.
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Milk proteins and hormones may excessively stimulate insulin production
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The specialist advocates monitoring physical responses and pursuing sensitivity testing when food reactions are suspected.
"We often see people cutting out random foods with no results," he said. "A good intolerance test can highlight the real triggers - and it's often a small number of key ingredients that are doing the damage."
Home testing kits are now accessible through online ordering, with facilities such as Dr Frank's providing convenient diagnostic options.
"It's not about restriction," he added. "It's about finally giving your body what it actually needs."