Eddy's Blog
Your local GP is not your nutritionist.
My local Doctor is most likely just like yours. Writing out prescriptions for medicine, conducting a general check-up, and providing a certificate to give to your boss when you’re not well, amongst some of the more common services GPs provide. I’m grateful to live in a country which allows easy access to general practitioners.
Late last year my GP was querying me on the best way for him to lose weight. Apart from the fact that we were in the middle of a consultation for my daughter, I was more than happy to discuss this subject with him.
After 30 years of being a GP and owning his own practice, it was evident that his knowledge on nutrition and exercise was neither, thorough or current. This was not the first time that I had noticed the lack of knowledge that GPs have in relation to nutrition and weight management. Though I have only visited a handful of different GPs in my life time, it has become apparent that many other people have had similar experiences where advice or lack of advice in the area of nutrition has been a talking point. Though there are some GPs who have some knowledge in this area it is important to understand that a GP is trained and educated in dealing with general health issues as opposed to specific health issues.
A specialist who has both theoretical and anecdotal experience in nutrition and exercise is the correct person to see. Let’s face it, you wouldn’t book an appointment to see your trainer or nutritionist for a general check-up, or would you?
Just like any profession, there are those who are exceptional and those that simply are not. Not all doctors, lawyers, teachers, coaches etc. are going to be at the very top of their specific game however, at the very least if they have a relatively sound knowledge of the subject they major in then it is highly likely that the advice you are given will have some credibility.
My suggestion is simply that we pay some thought to who it is that we would trust to provide us with accurate and creditable advice when it comes to our nutrition and weight management goals.
Some food for thought!
