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NHS doctor facing backlash online following Easter egg health warning

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As many of us don’t realise that just one of the chocolate treats contains about three-quarters of an adult’s recommended daily calorie intake, Dr Andrew Kelso is urging people not to eat the whole thing in a single sitting. Social media users are voicing their refusal to take his suggestions on board this weekend.

It’s that time of year again. When, whether or not you’re religious, Spring’s arrival brings with it a weekend of rest, relaxation, and – most importantly – indulgence.

I’m referring, of course, to Easter, a celebratory occasion that involves waving goodbye to our Lenten promises (which are often related to foregoing sweet treats) and welcoming in the equinox with a chocolate feast.

But I regret to tell you that the bunny isn’t coming in 2024.

At least that’s how NHS doctor Andrew Kelso would have it, who recently began urging the British public not to eat a whole egg in a single sitting.

Citing the fact that many of us don’t realise that just one contains about three-quarters of an adult’s recommended daily calorie intake and that UK healthcare systems are already bursting at the seams with tooth decay, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes on the rise, he called for moderation country-wide.

‘At a time like this when we are seeing significant increases in cases of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, as well as tooth decay, I urge people to enjoy their Easter eggs in moderation and resist the urge to eat a whole egg in one go,’ he said, additionally warning that many GP surgeries will be closed over the bank holidays and that hospitals would therefore face more pressure.

‘As well as Easter eggs, many of us will be meeting up with family and friends for social occasions which will see us eat more cakes and biscuits. Combined, it all adds up to a lot of extra sugar and calories, which doesn’t do our bodies any good. Enjoy your sweet treats, but please don’t overdo it.’

Now, while Dr Kelso’s claims are indeed justified, I wouldn’t go so far as to say that choosing to enjoy an Easter egg in its entirety on one of 52 Sundays in the calendar year is as world-ending as he makes it out to be.

Nor would social media users, who’ve been voicing their refusal to take his suggestions on board since the news first broke. Under a now-deleted X post on the matter, people didn’t hesitate to share their thoughts.

‘Is there another way to eat Easter eggs. Who knew?’, reads one comment. ‘Don’t tell me how to live my life Dr Kelso,’ quipped a fellow medical professional.

‘You’re not my mum,’ ‘I’m eating two now,’ ‘I consider it a personal challenge,’ ‘Easter finally has a grinch,’ ‘Technically it’s better for your teeth to eat it all in one go. Has this killjoy seen how small they are these days?’, ‘Maybe if we could actually get a doctors or a dentist appointment there wouldn’t be half so many problems!’ – you get the gist.

Steve Brine, chair of the Health and Social Care Select Committee, also criticised the advice as ‘naive nonsense,’ saying: ‘If I was a patient of Dr Kelso’s, I’d be, let’s just say, mildly irritated by that. That is not a preventative health strategy. That is just, ‘Let’s think of a press release before the Easter weekend.’ It doesn’t help.’

And, akin to the sea of netizens irked by Dr Kelso’s absurdity, Brine has a point.

So forget ‘preventative health strategies’ because you’ll be hard-pressed to prevent me (and everybody else) from scarfing down at least a whole egg this coming weekend.

Unless I’m unsuccessful during the annual hunt in the garden, that is. There’s no stopping me otherwise.

Feature Media Manager & Senior Writer London, UK

Sofia (She/Her) – I’m the Feature Media Manager and a Senior Writer at Thred, specialising in exclusive articles and live interviews, fashion and beauty with a focus on sustainability, women’s rights, psychedelics, and Latin America. I studied Spanish at the University of Exeter and International Journalism at City, London. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn, and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.

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