Lack of training in eating disorders is contributing to avoidable deaths, MPs conclude

A serious lack of training about eating disorders among doctors is contributing to too many avoidable deaths in the NHS, a parliamentary report says.

Training on the subject at medical school is limited to “just a few hours” and was a “consistent theme” in its investigation, said the House of Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee in its report.1

It calls for the General Medical Council to “use its influence to ensure medical schools improve outcomes.” It also calls for better postgraduate training. GPs, who are often the first port of call, need adequate training in recognising eating disorders and in communicating with these patients.

MPs on the committee heard that one GP was concerned that a patient would die but wrongly believed the patient could not be …