#JustTwoHours: Eating disorder charity backs our calls for mandatory training for GPs in eating disorders
Beat are recommending GPs receive at least seven hours of training in eating disorders
The UK's leading eating disorder charity are backing our calls for GPs to have mandatory training in eating disorders.
Medical undergraduates currently receive less than 2 hours of training in them - and only 1 in 5 medical schools teach the subject.
The charity claim this is leading to delays in people accessing treatment and being misdiagnosed.
"Pandemic is a breeding ground for eating disorders"
It's currently estimated that 3.4 million people are living with an eating disorder in the UK.
However that number is thought to have increased quite drastically during the pandemic.
"When the pandemic first started there were things like food shortages so a lot of people in recovery were unable to find foods on their plan", says marth Williams who's a clinical advice coordinator at Beat.
"It also caused people with eating disorders to become a lot more isolated, moreso than they already are.
"With eating disorders where there is such a physcial health risk, it's so important people get seen face-to-face.
"But during the pandemic that just wans't happening because of the risks so I think a lot of people were left to lost a lot of weight deteriorate further."
"GPs aren't being supported"
Research shows early intervention with someone who has an eating disorders increase their chances of recovery.
It's thought the severe workload of GPs during the pandemic has meant this has often not been achieved which has led to delays in people accessing treatment.
Martha continues: "It's really important GPs and other health professionals are support with quality training and investment in order to continue their important work.
"But unfortunately GPs aren't being supported is order to support those who have an eating disorder.
"The GP is often the first port of call for someone who has an eating disorder so with that in mind it's crucial they're trained to spot the early warning signs."
"1.8 hours isn't enough"
Beat have been working with Health Education England and the Royal College of Psychiatrists to provide a package of training for medical schools to provide students.
They are reccommending medical students are given at least seven hours of mandatory training in eating disorders.
"An average of 1.8 hours of training just isn't enough", adds Martha.
"This training package will help ensure medical students can spot the early signs and support people with eating disorders.
"Unfortunately there is still a disparity between physical and mental health and I think it's so important GPs are trained to be able to see beyond physical health issues when there could be a mental health issue behind it.