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Coeliac disease remains undiagnosed in over 60% of UK sufferers, reveals new report

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By Noah Newsroom

Friday, 2 May 2025 12:06AM UTC

A recent report uncovers that only 36 per cent of coeliac disease sufferers in the UK receive a formal diagnosis, leaving thousands struggling with unexplained symptoms. Former Olympian Rebecca Adlington shares her experience, while Coeliac UK urges greater awareness and offers a free self-assessment tool.

A recent report highlights a significant gap in the diagnosis of coeliac disease in the United Kingdom, where it is estimated that only 36 per cent of individuals with the autoimmune condition are currently medically recognised. This statistic suggests that thousands of people are living with unexplained symptoms, including fatigue, stomach pain, and neurological issues, potentially attributed to the disease.

Rebecca Adlington OBE, a former Olympic swimmer, was diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2024 after enduring debilitating symptoms that profoundly impacted her life. "The tiredness affected both my personal and professional life as I didn’t feel as productive or have enough energy like other people," she stated, illustrating the daily challenges faced by those who remain undiagnosed.

Coeliac disease is known to affect approximately one in 100 people in the UK, yet many individuals continue to suffer without appropriate medical intervention. The reported symptoms can range widely, complicating the path to diagnosis. As a result, Coeliac UK, a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting those with the condition, is encouraging individuals to consider whether they may be affected by the disease. They are promoting a free online self-assessment as a starting point for those battling unexplained health issues.

Hilary Croft, the CEO of Coeliac UK, emphasised the transformative impact of receiving a proper diagnosis. She mentioned that "for those battling with unexplained symptoms, a coeliac disease diagnosis can be life-changing." The condition is managed through a lifelong commitment to a strict gluten-free diet, a process that can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected.

For those seeking further information, additional resources are available on Coeliac UK's website, providing guidance on symptoms, diagnosis, and management strategies. The urgency surrounding increased awareness and diagnosis remains critical as many continue to live with uncertainty regarding their health.

Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.coeliac.org.uk/do-i-have-coeliac-disease/ - Coeliac UK reports that only 36% of individuals with coeliac disease in the UK are diagnosed, leaving an estimated 500,000 people undiagnosed.
https://www.coeliac.org.uk/information-and-support/coeliac-disease/getting-diagnosed/screening-for-coeliac-disease/ - Coeliac UK emphasizes the importance of screening for coeliac disease, especially for close relatives of those diagnosed, even if they have no symptoms.
https://www.coeliac.org.uk/information-and-support/coeliac-disease/about-coeliac-disease/what-are-coeliac-disease-symptoms/check-your-symptoms/ - Coeliac UK provides a free online self-assessment to help individuals determine if they should be tested for coeliac disease.
https://www.coeliac.org.uk/information-and-support/coeliac-disease/about-coeliac-disease/what-are-coeliac-disease-symptoms/check-your-symptoms/ - Coeliac UK lists common symptoms of coeliac disease, including severe or occasional diarrhoea, excessive wind, and persistent or unexplained nausea and vomiting.
https://www.coeliac.org.uk/information-and-support/coeliac-disease/about-coeliac-disease/what-are-coeliac-disease-symptoms/check-your-symptoms/ - Coeliac UK highlights that the mean duration of symptoms before formal diagnosis of coeliac disease is 13 years, which may be attributed to the wide-ranging symptoms and lack of awareness.
https://www.coeliac.org.uk/information-and-support/coeliac-disease/about-coeliac-disease/what-are-coeliac-disease-symptoms/check-your-symptoms/ - Coeliac UK emphasizes the importance of screening for coeliac disease, especially for close relatives of those diagnosed, even if they have no symptoms.
https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/25130900.around-20-000-people-wales-missing-diagnosis/?ref=rss - Please view link - unable to able to access data

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 9

Notes: The narrative mentions a recent report and a diagnosis from 2024, indicating relatively current information. However, specific details about the report's publication date are not provided.

Quotes check

Score: 8

Notes: Direct quotes from Rebecca Adlington and Hilary Croft are provided, but the earliest known online references for these quotes could not be verified at this time.

Source reliability

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative originates from a local news source, South Wales Argus, which is not as widely recognised as major news outlets but is generally considered reliable for local reporting.

Plausability check

Score: 9

Notes: The claims regarding undiagnosed coeliac disease align with common challenges in diagnosing the condition. The involvement of Coeliac UK and statements from public figures like Rebecca Adlington enhance the narrative's plausibility.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The narrative appears to be up-to-date, with recent references. While the quotes are not verified earlier online, they are plausible and add depth to the narrative. The source is reliable, though not a major national outlet. Claims about coeliac disease are consistent with known medical challenges.

Coeliac disease
Health diagnosis
UK health