GP concerns over rise in signs of malnutrition

As reported by the BBC, more cases of malnutrition are being seen in Scotland, according to doctors working in some of the most deprived communities

A group called GPs at the Deep End is concerned the cost-of-living crisis is making people more reliant on cheaper, processed foods. GPs at the Deep End is a network representing doctors working in surgeries in the 100 most deprived populations in the country.

Dr Jen Dooley told the BBC people were choosing the wrong foods to ‘fill up’ and she also said she often saw patients lacking in basic vitamins and minerals.

Dr Dooley, who is based in Port Glasgow in Inverclyde, said: “We’re seeing a lot of cases where people come to us feeling a whole diverse range of presentation – fatigue, tiredness – and when we’re investigating, we’re finding signs of malnutrition.”

With less money to spend on their weekly food shop, Dr Dooley said she was worried people were eating food that was very energy-dense.

Prof Mike Lean, from the University of Glasgow, is concerned that the stress of the current financial climate could lead to more overeating.

The nutritionist said: “Obesity in Scotland is always cited as being among the highest in Europe and it is.

“There’s a lot of other people who are at risk of gaining weight if conditions change. Cost of living, lockdowns – these can all exacerbate behaviours which tend to result in increased calorie consumption without the physical activity you need to burn it off.”