When “consult your doctor” may not be helpful: nutrition

“Consult your doctor” is a common piece of advice given to folks who are considering starting a nutrition and exercise program. Unfortunately, this places upon doctors a responsibility for public education for which they may not be qualified. Nobody teaches doctors to squat and deadlift; likewise, most doctors aren’t trained to give nutrition advice. (Which doesn’t stop them from giving advice on all of that stuff, unfortunately.)

A new study examines whether the nutrition education of medical students is any better these days, after decades of hopeful coaxing from the nutrition world. The verdict? Nope. They can probably give you some basic advice like “don’t eat a hot dog you found in the parking lot” or “vegetables are important”, but for advice beyond that, consult a qualified nutritional professional.