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It is touted as a weight-loss hack, a way to stave off illness and injury, and is even promoted by government officials as a cornerstone of healthy eating.

High-protein diets, once the preserve of bodybuilders, have gone mainstream, with grocery store shelves now packed with protein-enriched products, from yogurts and pretzels to cereals, breads and even ice cream.

The message seems simple: more protein is better.

But a major new review is challenging years of messaging that higher protein intake – a trend dubbed ‘protein-maxxing’ on social media – is inherently healthier, suggesting that the benefits may have been overstated.

In a review of more than 350 studies published last week, researchers found that lower-protein diets were linked to a healthier weight, a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and, in some cases, a longer life.

Now, speaking to the Daily Mail, dietitians have warned that the high-protein craze could have the opposite effect to the one many followers are hoping for – contributing to weight gain and increasing the risk of a range of health problems.

‘Some people have the misconception that if you consume too much protein, it just kind of disappears,’ said Lindsey Schoenfeld, a US dietitian. ‘But studies show that consuming a high-protein diet may cause weight gain, diabetes and many other health problems.’ 

So has the protein boom gone too far – and how much do we actually need to stay healthy without putting our long-term health at risk? 

US officials have urged Americans to eat more protein. The science behind this couldn’t be less settled

Protein is an essential nutrient, needed for building and repairing tissue, maintaining the muscles, supporting the immune system and keeping organs, skin, hair and nails healthy. 

It is one of three essential macronutrients, alongside carbohydrates and fats, that the body needs in large amounts to stay healthy.

Protein is also particularly important for older adults, helping to preserve strength and mobility, and keep someone independent and well later in life. 

For years, the US Government recommended about 0.36 grams (g) of protein per pound of bodyweight (0.8g per kilogram) daily.

But under the latest guidelines released in January this year, this was revised up to 0.54g to 0.72g per pound bodyweight (1.2g to 1.6g per kilogram). 

Backed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, he said protein had been ‘wrongly discouraged’ for too long. Other influencers such as the Liver King and Joe Rogan have also pushed the benefits of a high protein diet.

For the average 170 lb American woman, that equates to roughly 92g to 122g protein a day. For the average 200 lb man, it’s around 108g to 144g.

To put that into perspective, a three-ounce serving of cooked chicken breast contains around 26g to 30g protein, while a large egg provides about 6g, a cup of Greek yogurt about 20g to 25g, half a cup of firm tofu about 22g, and a cup of cooked lentils around 18g.

But protein isn’t just found in meat and dairy.

Almost every food contains at least some protein – oats provide about 5g per cup cooked, broccoli around 4g per cooked cup, two slices of wholemeal bread about 8g, peanut butter 7g per two tablespoons, and even a medium baked potato around 4g.

It means most people are adding to their daily protein intake with virtually every meal and snack they eat.

That means a woman aiming for the lower end of the recommendation could reach her target with, for example, a cup of Greek yogurt for breakfast (25g), a chicken breast at lunch (30g), a cup of lentils with dinner (18g) and two eggs as snacks (12g) – a total of about 85 grams, with the remaining protein easily made up from grains, vegetables and dairy consumed throughout the day.

A 200-pound man aiming for the upper end of the range, meanwhile, could hit around 140g by eating two chicken breasts (about 60g), a cup of Greek yogurt (25g), a cup of lentils (18g), two eggs (12g) and half a cup of tofu (22g).

The downsides of getting too little protein are well established.

Brittle hair and nails are often among the first warning signs, but deficiency can also lead to muscle loss, weakness and frailty, increasing the risk of falls and bone fractures.

Yet the average American already gets plenty of protein – around 0.6g per pound of body weight each day, enough to comfortably meet current recommendations for most adults.

By contrast, fiber – which has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, bowel cancer and obesity – remains the nutrient Americans are far more likely to be missing. Around 95 percent of adults fail to consume the recommended amount.

The Health and Human Services Secretary is famous for his meat-heavy diet. He is shown above enjoying a steak for his 72nd birthday in January this year

So, what happens if you eat more protein than experts recommend?

Well, more isn’t necessarily better, for a start – and the evidence suggests there is a ceiling to protein’s benefits.

One of the largest reviews ever conducted on the subject found that once total protein intake reaches around 1.6g per kilogram of body weight a day, consuming more – whether from shakes or food – does not produce any further gains in muscle mass or strength.

The 2018 meta-analysis, led by researchers at McMaster University and published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, found this was the case even in people lifting weights regularly.

Some studies have found that high-protein diets can help people lose weight. But these trials are typically short – lasting just a few weeks or months – and usually involve people cutting calories and exercising regularly.

In other words, participants are not simply adding more protein to their diet. They are replacing other foods, reducing their overall calorie intake and following a structured weight-loss program.

Longer-term studies suggest any advantage is far more modest, with one review finding high-protein diets offered only a small benefit for maintaining weight loss after a year or more.

There are also concerns that eating too much protein could actually contribute to weight gain.

A 2013 study involving nearly 400,000 people found those getting at least 20 percent of their calories from protein – generally considered a high-protein diet – were 24 percent more likely to become overweight or obese over the following five years than those eating less protein.

Dietitians say the more likely explanation is that people increase their protein intake by eating more calories overall or by relying on fatty cuts of meat and processed foods.

‘Many people interpret a high-protein diet as a green light to eat as much fatty red meat, processed meats such as bacon, and protein-fortified snacks as they like,’ said Lindsey Schoenfeld, a US dietitian.

‘In reality, they’re simply consuming excess calories.’

A typical 12oz sirloin steak contains about 700 calories and 38g of fat. But a ribeye contains 900 calories and 65g of fat.

For comparison, a 12oz portion of chicken breast contains 580 calories and 12g to 14g of fat, while the same amount of cod contains 300 calories and 9g of fat.

Many products now prominently advertise their protein content on the packaging – from breakfast cereals and popcorn to chocolates and Pop-Tarts – in a clear attempt to cash in on the high-protein craze.

But does adding protein actually make these foods healthier?

Dietitians say not necessarily. Many are still ultra-processed products that are high in calories, added sugars or saturated fat. While they may contain more protein than their conventional counterparts, they are often far from the healthiest way to get the nutrient.

‘People see “high protein” on the label and assume they can eat more of it,’ said Lindsey Schoenfeld, a US dietitian. ‘But calories still count.’

There are also several longer-term health risks that experts say are worth considering.

For some people, the kidneys may be particularly vulnerable. Around one in ten people are thought to carry genetic variants that reduce the kidneys’ ability to cope with very high protein intakes, potentially increasing their risk of kidney disease over time.

The source of the protein also matters. Diets high in red and processed meat tend to be rich in saturated fat, which has long been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.

There is also evidence that very high protein intakes may be associated with cancer and a shorter lifespan. 

A 2014 study led by researchers at the University of Southern California, involving more than 6,000 adults over 50, found that people consuming high-protein diets – where protein accounted for about 20 percent of calories – had a higher risk of cancer, diabetes and death during the study period.

Animal studies have also suggested that protein-heavy diets may accelerate aging, although it remains unclear whether the same effect occurs in humans.

Pictured is Jack Lalanne, considered the spiritual founder of today’s fitness movement. He ate a high protein diet before it was trendy and died aged 96 years old in 2011

Finally, experts say that focusing too heavily on protein can come at the expense of other nutrients. 

People eating large amounts of meat and protein-fortified foods may consume fewer fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, beans, fruit and vegetables – despite strong evidence that fiber lowers the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer.

So, how much protein should we actually be eating?

Dr Don Layman, a leading researcher at the University of Illinois who helped develop the latest dietary recommendations, said the previous guideline reflected the minimum needed to prevent deficiency, while the newer advice is intended as a target for optimal health.

But dietitians say most people don’t need to obsess over hitting a specific number each day.

Instead, they recommend focusing on a variety of high-quality protein sources – including poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, lentils, tofu, nuts and seeds – rather than ultra-processed foods marketed as high in protein.

Simple changes, such as adding nuts and seeds to yogurt or including beans with a meal, can easily boost protein intake without relying on fortified snacks or shakes.

For most Americans, however, the bigger nutritional concern isn’t protein at all. It’s fiber.

While the average American already consumes enough protein to meet recommended intakes, about 95 percent fail to get enough fiber – a nutrient linked to a lower risk of bowel cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

‘I do hope the craze moves to fiber next,’ said Lindsey Schoenfeld. ‘With 95 percent of Americans not getting enough, that’s where we really need to focus.’

They are worn by marathon-running pop icon Harry Styles, former President Joe Biden, amateur athletes, nurses and busy moms.

Originally designed as a trail-running shoe with a thick, ultra-cushioned sole to absorb impact over long distances, Hoka has become the go-to sneaker brand for millions of people seeking all-day comfort.

And in the past few years, they have exploded in popularity. Sales have topped $2.5 billion this year, up 16 percent from 2025.

But while the shoes – which cost between $150 and $275 a pair – are now seemingly everywhere, experts warn that there may be some significant downsides to wearing them for long periods. 

‘Hokas are really good for what they were originally designed for,’ Dr Zac Cartun, an orthopedic insole specialist and chief medical officer at Stride Soles, told the Daily Mail.

‘But particularly for walking and standing, I don’t think they’re the best option.’

Hoka’s signature feature is its thick, foam midsole, which measures around 30mm to 40mm under the foot. By comparison, the midsoles of most standard running shoes are typically between 15mm and 30mm thick.

The idea is simple: every time your foot strikes the ground, the impact sends force up through your ankles, knees, hips and lower back. The extra foam is designed to absorb more of that impact before it reaches your joints, reducing the stress placed on them.

Pictured: President Joe Biden prepares to board a helicopter outside the White House while wearing his Hoka trainers in 2024

The thick cushioning also dampens the sensation of the ground beneath your feet. While that may sound like a disadvantage, it’s one of the reasons Hokas became so popular with trail runners.

On uneven, rocky terrain, the foam absorbs impact and spreads pressure more evenly across the foot, making long runs more comfortable.

‘It means you don’t feel every rock on the path,’ Dr Cartun said. 

‘If you step on a rock, not only is it going to absorb the impact, but it’s also going to distribute pressure really well, so you don’t feel pain in one particular area.’

However, the extra height means the foot sits farther off the ground. If the shoe rolls sideways during a step, that greater distance creates a larger twisting force, known as torque, around the ankle.

While the ankle is designed to cope with some rotation, those forces can also be transmitted higher up the leg to the knee, which is far less able to twist from side to side.

‘That kind of torque is particularly difficult for joints that aren’t able to flex in all directions,’ Dr Cartun said. ‘The ankle can handle that pretty well. The knee, however, really only bends forwards and backwards.

‘So when you’re applying those twisting forces from side to side, the knee can’t account for them as well. That’s why we see a lot of knee pain from people wearing these shoes.’

Altered walking mechanics can also affect the knees, hips and lower back, potentially leading to aches and pains higher up the body. 

Dr Cartun also believes relying on heavily cushioned shoes for everyday wear may mean the small muscles in the feet have to work less, potentially weakening them over time.

‘If you’re cushioning the foot over a long period, the muscles that support the arch may not have to work as hard because you’re getting less sensory feedback from the ground,’ Dr. Cartun said.

‘Over time, that can weaken those muscles and potentially lead to other problems.’

Dr Cartun believes that relying on highly cushioned shoes for everyday wear could, over time, affect small muscles that support the foot’s arch.

Over time, this could increase the risk of plantar fasciitis, a painful condition caused by inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. 

‘It also just increases the risk of injury because your foot isn’t as strong, and you’re more likely to twist something when you don’t have that strong foundation,’ he added.

However, there is currently no good evidence that wearing Hoka shoes causes these problems, and other foot specialists say highly cushioned shoes can be beneficial for many people, particularly runners and those with existing foot pain.

Reese Witherspoon was been pictured on a jog in Los Angeles in her blue-and-purple Hoka sneakers in July 2018

Experts told the Daily Mail that the extra cushioning in Hoka shoes can result in knee pain and muscle atrophy after prolonged periods. Pictured above is the Carbon X 2 model

Dr. Cartun also believes there may be a longer-term effect on balance, due to the lack of sensory input from the gound.

‘Basically, you could be left without as much ability to correct for uneven terrain,’ he said.

He said this could be particularly important for older adults, who are already at greater risk of falls because of age-related declines in balance, muscle strength and bone density. Falls are a leading cause of fractures and head injuries in this age group.

Unlike some shoes that keep the heel and forefoot at the same height, most Hokas have a slightly raised heel. Known as a ‘heel-to-toe drop,’ this means the heel sits a few millimeters higher than the front of the foot. 

This increases the risk of metatarsalgia, or swelling and aching in the ball of the foot, usually right under the second, third or fourth toes. 

‘You’re putting extra pressure on there than you typically wouldn’t,’ Cartun said. ‘And of course, this is a slow, insidious process.’

Consistently having the heel elevated also shortens the Achilles tendon at the back of the lower leg. Over time, this tightens the Achilles and raises the risk of ankle injuries and Achilles tendonitis that results in stiffness and swelling.

Additionally, Hokas have become increasingly popular among people who spend all day on their feet, nurses, teachers and factory workers, among others. The brand even offers a 15 percent off code for health care workers. 

Pop icon Harry Styles is pictured in the above images wearing yellow and orange Hoka sneakers

Natalie Portman is seen wearing a pair of black Hokas in New York City in June 2025

Standing for hours on end has long been linked to a plethora of health risks from muscle fatigue to back injuries and blood clots in the legs. But doing so in ultra-cushioned shoes may exacerbate those risks. 

Cartun explains that Hokas’ design do not allow the big toe to extend outward, which provides additional support for the foot when standing. The soft foam gets squished underneath the big toe when it pushes down rather than the toe hitting the ground.

‘It kind of cancels out the effect of what your toes are naturally doing to provide more support and essentially prevent foot fatigue,’ he told the Daily Mail. ‘This is kind of a counterproductive feature for foot fatigue.’  

Cartun believes long-term use of ultra-cushioned shoes like Hokas could pose the greatest risk for younger people ‘because a lot of the injuries are due to compounded things that happen again and again and again.’

‘That’s how people tend to stick with them and wear them over that long period of time, allowing those injuries to occur,’ he added. ‘So I worry about people under the age of 50 who are nurses, doctors, teachers, who stand a lot.’

However, he notes these shoes can be a solid pick for trail runners or shorter-term use. Additionally, people recovering from foot injuries may also benefit from the soft cushioning to take the pressure off the damaged areas.

For everyday use, Cartun recommends firmer sneakers like Altras, which are zero drop and have a wide area for the toe to fully extend. 

But for those who aren’t ready to give up the shoes entirely, Cartun suggests wearing a firm orthotic ‘that doesn’t have too much cushioning and that can replicate a lot of what the ground would be giving.’

‘This can kind of mitigate a lot of the problems while still giving that feedback and structural support that Hokas diminish.’

Dr Brandon Haghverdian, orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at the Hoag Orthopedic Institute in California, told the Daily Mail that the goal of any shoe ‘is to improve comfort, decrease repetitive loading on joints and soft tissues, and reduce fatigue during prolonged walking or running.’ 

He emphasizes that the ‘most important principle is to match the shoe to the activity and transition gradually if you’re changing footwear styles.’

‘Runners should avoid making sudden increases in mileage at the same time they switch shoes, and anyone who notices persistent discomfort should consider being evaluated to determine whether a different shoe is a better fit for their biomechanics,’ he added. 

The Daily Mail has contacted Hoka for comment.

A property manager has warned of the perils of stopping weight loss jabs – after she piled on three stone within months of quitting the injections, taking her right back to where she started. 

Arina Yasm, 30, tried Ozempic in December 2020, after becoming ‘fed up’ of throwing away clothes that were too tight. 

Weighing 14st 6lbs and a size XXL, she blamed her weight gain on a stressful move from Portugal to Dubai.

Struggling with loneliness, and working from her computer all day – she ate out of stress and boredom. 

‘We had just moved and I didn’t really like Dubai,’ she said. ‘I didn’t have friends and I was working from my computer, sitting all day and snacking at the same time.’

Her diet consisted of McDonald’s for breakfast or lunch, up to 50 pieces of sushi for dinner, alongside crisps, burritos and sugary drinks.

She also drank alcohol with dinner every evening, including wine or sometimes three bottles of beer.

Food delivery apps only worsened her ‘lack of control’ over her food intake.

Arina Yasm went from an XXL to a size 8 when she finally found a reliable weight loss method

At first exercise was challenging, but once she hit 11 stone, moving her body got easier

‘Everything was available immediately. If I wanted Doritos at 2am, I could have them delivered.’

She said she had to abandon high street shopping after XXL clothes from Zara no longer fitted.

‘I had to look online and find alternatives – it was really sad and frustrating. 

‘I was only 29 but I felt like I was 70 years old.’

 By the end of 2020 she was ready to take drastic action to improve her eating habits – and read about the effects of semaglutide, which is the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic.

The drug has been available as a diabetes treatment in the UK since 2017, but was only approved specifically for weight loss in 2023. However many private practitioners offered the medication to non-diabetics prior to the approval.

Within six months she’d lost more than three stone, but suffered agonising stomach pain which she was prescribed medication to treat.

 As soon as she stopped the injections, in June 2021, ‘my appetite came back’.

She said: ‘I hadn’t changed anything. I was still living the same way, so the weight came back.’ Within a few months she’d gained all the fat she’d lost, and tipped the scale at 14 and a half stone.

‘I had pain in my neck and knees everyday,’ she said. ‘I knew something had to change because I wanted to be healthier and have a better life.’

Ms Yasm said food delivery apps gave her access to junk food whenever she wanted it

Now, dinners are focused on protein and alcohol and sugar have been cut out completely

 Instead of searching for another fast solution, she hired a personal trainer and focused on making small changes she could maintain.

She slowly changed her diet by phasing out alcohol and introduced regular exercise to her routine.

Ms Yasm began training three times a week, before increasing to four or five sessions.

She combined strength training with cardio, including walking between 10 and 20 thousand steps every day.

At first, exercising was a challenge.

‘When I was big it was really difficult,’ she said. ‘I would only manage two minutes on the Stairmaster, and had to go just 10 minutes on the cross trainer.

‘Eventually I built up my stamina and started doing more on the Stairmaster.

‘When I reached 70kg [11 stone], I felt comfortable enough to start running because I knew my knees wouldn’t be at as much risk of harm.

‘I hated running at first, but now it’s my favourite thing to do.’

Today, Ms Yasm weighs a slight eight stone and wears size eight clothing. Her astonishing six-and-a-half stone weight loss is mostly a result of a total transformation of her diet, she said.

Now, around 85 per cent of the foods she eats are homecooked. 

She focuses on protein, including fish, meat, eggs, salmon, prawns and mussels, alongside sweet potatoes, rice, chickpeas and wholegrain bread.

She no longer drinks sugary drinks and sticks to water or Coke Zero.

Speaking of finding the motivation to change, she said the first step was admitting to herself that she ‘wasn’t healthy’. 

‘Once you remove that burden and realise you can change it, everything gets better,’ she said.

‘You need a system and a strategy. It can’t just be a diet because when the diet ends, most people go back. It has to become part of who you are.’

It’s the explosive diarrhoea bug that’s struck down tens of thousands of Americans this summer. Cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that spreads via contaminated food or water, has hit more than 22,000 people across 45 states.

Linked to an iceberg lettuce farm in Mexico, it swept quickly through the US, killing two and leaving hundreds hospitalised over the past few weeks alone.

And health chiefs now warn the debilitating infection – which causes weeks of violent diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and vomiting – has reached the UK.

At least 67 Britons have fallen ill with cyclosporiasis since May. Officials are urging all travellers to take precautions when visiting or returning from North, Central and South America.

It may sound terrifying but experts say that, armed with the correct information, the parasite, called cyclospora, needn’t be a cause for concern.

‘It’s not something you want to get,’ says Dr Paul Hunter, microbiologist and professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia, ‘but there are clear ways to reduce your risk, on holiday or at home.’

What exactly is the cyclospora parasite?

Cyclospora is a single-cell organism, meaning, in layman’s terms, it is microscopically tiny.

It is a parasite that lives and multiples in the small intestine, burrowing into cells that line the gut wall. The frequent, watery diarrhoea associated with the bug is the body’s attempt to expel them.

Some sufferers have described having to use the toilet up to 20 times a day, while others told of a bubbling, or balloon-like feeling in the stomach

Symptoms typically go on for a couple of weeks but can last up to a month, says Dr Lindsey Ann Edwards, senior lecturer in microbiology at King’s College London.

She adds: ‘The main sign is very watery diarrhoea over a prolonged period. While other bugs may clear up after a few days, cyclosporiasis continues.’

Some sufferers have described having to use the toilet up to 20 times a day, while others told of a bubbling, or balloon-like feeling in the stomach.

The parasite can also cause abdominal pain and nausea, but rarely vomiting.

Can I catch it from an infected person?

Cyclosporiasis differs from more common bugs in how it is spread. ‘The parasite can’t be passed on between humans, unlike many other diarrhoea-causing infections,’ says Professor Hunter.

In fact, people become infected with cyclospora only when they consume food or water that contains the parasite.

‘If you were just at dinner with, or even lived with, an infected person, you likely wouldn’t get it,’ says Professor Hunter.

Instead, outbreaks, such as the one in the US, occur when infected faecal matter comes into contact with crops, usually due to contaminated water supplies used to wash or grow produce.

Prof Hunter adds: ‘It’s raw vegetables and fruit – crops you won’t typically cook – that tend to spread cyclospora, as boiling can kill the parasite.

‘Salad leaves in particular are full of nooks and crannies and have a lot of surface area for the parasite to lay eggs on. And you don’t cook them – making them a perfect vehicle for cyclospora.’

Raspberries and blackberries have been behind a number of outbreaks for the same reason as salad leaves now are – they’re hard to clean well and full of little troughs and pits

Is it only salad I need to be worried about?

The US outbreak has been linked to Taylor’s Farm, a farm in Mexico that supplies bags of shredded lettuce to fast-food giant Taco Bell as well as grocery stores.

But previous outbreaks have been caused by a range of other fresh vegetables and fruit, including, most commonly, raspberries. ‘Anything that you eat without peeling or cooking could carry the parasite,’ says Professor Hunter.

Raspberries and blackberries have been behind a number of outbreaks for the same reason as salad leaves now are – they’re hard to clean well and full of little troughs and pits.

‘Vegetables with a waxy skin, like cucumbers, or that you typically peel – like oranges or carrots – are less likely to cause infections.’

How come it is now spreading to the UK?

Cyclospora is most prevalent in tropical regions such as South and Central America, Southeast Asia or the Middle East, as the parasite’s eggs can usually only survive in warm, humid conditions.

These regions typically also have poorer water treatment and sanitation infrastructure, making crop contamination more likely.

But while rare, there have been cyclospora outbreaks in the UK and Europe. Imported produce can bring in the infection, although most commonly people pick it up abroad, says Dr Edwards.

‘The parasite tends to incubate for around ten days, so people can go on a week-long holiday but then develop symptoms two or three days after getting back.

‘In the current outbreak, it seems most people have picked it up travelling to Mexico and the US.’

Will washing fruit and veg get rid of it?

‘It’s always a good idea to wash fresh fruit and vegetables,’ says Professor Hunter. ‘But with cyclospora, washing produce – while removing maybe 80 per cent of the parasites – won’t stop you getting sick, as the eggs, once laid, are difficult to dislodge.

‘Cooking is really the only way to kill off the bug.

‘I’ve always cautioned against eating uncooked vegetables – especially salads – when abroad.’

People with healthy immune systems can also usually get over the infection without treatment, but their symptoms can last up to a month and may relapse

What’s the best way to treat an infection?

Once diagnosed via a stool sample, cyclosporiasis infections can be easily treated with antibiotics.

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, commonly sold as Bactrim, Septra or Cotrim, is taken twice daily for seven to ten days.

People with healthy immune systems can also usually get over the infection without treatment, but their symptoms can last up to a month and may relapse.

Hydration is key, says Dr Edwards, because of how much fluid is expelled. Sufferers should drink a lot of water, broths and take electrolytes and antibiotics.

Should I be worried about getting it?

Not unless you are planning an imminent trip to the US or Mexico.

If you are, at mealtimes or in restaurants, stick to cooked vegetables or ones that are peeled.

Those with a weakened immune system, as well as the elderly and children, should also be careful, adds Dr Edwards.

‘It’s not usually deadly – and given the number of infections in the US, two deaths makes sense statistically,’ she says.

‘But if you have underlying health conditions, it can make it much more difficult for your body to get rid of the parasite. Constant diarrhoea can cause severe dehydration, which can be deadly.’

Anyone returning from abroad who develops symptoms should seek help from their GP.