Practise what you preach, obese GPs told

ONE of Scotland’s top doctors has called on his colleagues to ‘lead by example’ and avoid being overweight.

Professor Derek Bell, president of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, believes doctors, who often have to tell patients to shed the pounds for health reasons, should not be obese themselves.

Scotland is in the grip of an epidemic, with two thirds of people overweight and 29 per cent obese, a trend that has sparked a flurry of policies aimed at improving the nation’s diet.

Senior medics say those in charge of improving patients’ lifestyle habits should practise what they preach.

Rates of obesity among NHS doctors in Scotland are around 17 per cent, which is lower than the average among the rest of the population.

But the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh is concerned that doctors can be uncomfortable lecturing patients about weight due to the sensitive nature of the topic, and fear it is more difficult for these discussions to take place if the doctor is also overweight or obese.

Professor Bell said ‘societal change’ is needed if the damaging health effects of poor diet and obesity are to be tackled.

Today is World Obesity Day, which the college says should be used to highlight the fact that obesity is ‘not inevitable’.

Professor Bell said: ‘As doctors, we often treat adults who are suffering from obesity- related complications. There are, of course, measures which people can take to reduce weight-related problems, and we always recommend eating healthily, avoiding junk food and excessive alcohol consumption, and exercising regularly.

‘However, many of the health problems associated with obesity can be avoided altogether.

‘Government must work closely with schools, food agen-cies

‘Health problems can be avoided’

and supermarkets to ensure that healthy choices are available from early age to adulthood. But doctors must also consider their approach to obesity too, and we must lead by example.’

The college is calling for politicians to help change the nation’s attitude towards food and exercise by actively encouraging lifestyle changes, not ‘fads’ or short-term diets.

Instead, society would benefit by treating healthier choices and exercise as ‘part of everyday life’, it says.

But last night critics said doctors are under so much pressure, they often do not have time to eat healthily, and warned that people should not be ‘shamed’ into losing weight.

GPs may raise the issue of a patient’s weight during routine appointments, or they can give advice if a patient comes in looking for help.

Scottish Tory health spokesman Miles Briggs said: ‘We should take responsibility for our health, and the SNP Scottish Government should enable people to make healthy choices.

‘We need to see positive action such as weight management courses in the workplace as well as healthier food and drink choices for medical professionals during breaks.

‘However, we need to realise that there are multiple reasons people are over, or under, weight, and forcing people or shaming them is definitely a step too far.’

The Scottish Government has pledged to improve the nation’s diet and exercise habits, with a crackdown on cheap junk food, more physical activity in schools and more NHS weight loss support.

Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesman Alex Cole Hamilton said: ‘We know the number of GP vacancies has soared and the BMA is saying doctors are under pressure like never before.

‘Earlier this year I uncovered GPs working up to 90 hours per week. In such circumstances, it is really hard to eat well and exercise.’