GPs warn on fashion diets

Women who adopt fashionable food elimination diets similar to those publicised by stars such as Geri Halliwell could be risking their health, GPs warn.

A survey of 205 GPs found that 90 per cent believed women were putting themselves at risk by adopting unhealthy eating patterns without seeking advice from a doctor or qualified nutritionist.

More than 40 per cent of women have eliminated specific foods from their diet over the past five years, believing they suffer from some kind of allergy or intolerance.

GPs said they believed selfdiagnosis and self-imposed diets could lead to problems such as nutrient deficiency, osteoporosis and immune problems.

More than a third of the GPs pointed the finger at "questionable" and "potentially harmful" advice given by unregistered nutritionists. They also blamed celebrities for the development of the trend.