THE harsh economic climate has led to a "worrying" increase in nutrition-related illnesses, a local GP has claimed.
Dr Reeta Singh, of the Ashwood Practice, based at Weelsby View Medical Centre, in Ladysmith Road, Grimsby, has said more patients are coming to her feeling "run down and unwell" because they cannot afford to eat.
Her concerns come after she and her staff collected two boxes of food for the Grimsby Telegraph and charity Care's Ten Tonnes Of Tins campaign.
Patients affected are often elderly or vulnerable, but Dr Singh has also treated parents who sacrifice their own meals to make sure their children eat.
Dr Singh said: "The elderly are not eating properly and losing weight and we have seen a lot more patients who are generally run down.
"We ask them about their diet, which is generally poor, and hear about parents who feed their children before themselves.
"There has been a definite increase in this, and I am worried about the future impact on the area's health."
More patients are also asking for vitamin supplements and build-up drinks, but the practice operates a food-first policy and only certain patients are eligible for them on the NHS.
"If people don't eat well, their bodies do not function to full capacity," Dr Singh explained.
"They are prone to viral infections and are low in energy and mood, which leads to mental health problems like depression.
"The worry alone of not having enough money to eat is a huge stress that also causes illnesses."
People are referred to Care from other agencies who help with social and health problems, including malnutrition.
One referral form reads: "The family does not have any food in the house and the eldest child is poorly, which we feel is due to inadequate diet."
The staff at the medical centre are among scores who have donated to the Ten Tonnes Of Tins campaign.
We have appealed to the good- hearted of North East Lincolnshire to help us reach our target by donating tinned and dry foods for Care's Daily Bread Food Larder.
Ashwood staff have donated two boxes and have started collecting for their third.
Dr Singh continued: "We like to do our bit for the community and it was so easy for people to get involved.
"We try to promote ourselves as being part of the community, we don't just look after people's medical needs, we encompass everything and this was a practical way to help."
ON THE WEB: Visit www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk to find a simple smoothie recipe you can make at home to give your body a boost.
