TV chef Jamie Oliver has received the highest award from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) for work in furthering better food education through the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation and the global Food Revolution Day.
The ceremony was held at the RCGP’s headquarters at 30 Euston Square, central London. He is now known as a Fellow of the Royal College and can use the letters FRCGP (Hon) after his name.
Honorary Fellowship is the College’s most important award and is given to doctors and non-doctors for outstanding contributions in the field of medicine, science or public service.
The ticking time-bomb of childhood obesity
The Honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of General Practitioners recognises his high-profile public health campaigns, particularly his work to tackle the ticking time-bomb of childhood obesity by improving the nutritional value of school dinners.
The award to Jamie Oliver is in line with the RCGP’s own work on tackling obesity and malnutrition by promoting healthy eating.
Nutrition for Health has been a clinical priority for the College since 2011 when a programme was set up to improve GP support for patients affected by these issues.
As a result, all trainee GPs now receive specific training on how to tackle obesity and malnutrition, and guidelines have been issued to practising GPs to help them raise the sensitive issue of obesity with their patients. The College also runs courses for GPs to raise awareness of the importance of nutrition and has produced a wide range of resources for GPs on obesity, malnutrition, allergies and eating disorders.
Dr Clare Gerada, Chair of the RCGP, said:
“Jamie’s innovative work on nutrition and the importance of a good diet, particularly for young people, has made a major contribution to raising public awareness in a non-judgemental and fun way, and we felt it was appropriate for the RCGP to recognise and celebrate his efforts and achievements in improving the nation’s health.
“We are delighted to welcome Jamie to the College and hope that we can work together to promote healthier lifestyle choices for people right across the UK.”