Jamie Oliver has received the highest award from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) for furthering better food education and tackling the “ticking time-bomb” of childhood obesity.
He is now known as a Fellow of the Royal College and can use the letters (Hon) after his name.
The RCGP said it recognised the celebrity chef’s high-profile public health campaigns, particularly his work on improving the nutritional value of school dinners.
The ceremony was held yesterday morning at the RCGP's headquarters in central London.
An 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.
Chair of the RCGP Dr Clare Gerada said Jamie's work on nutrition, particularly for young people, has made a major contribution to raising public awareness in a non-judgemental and fun way.
“We felt it was appropriate for the RCGP to recognise and celebrate his efforts and achievements in improving the nation's health,” she said.
She added: '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.'
On receiving the award, Oliver said he was “truly humbled”. He said: “I've always been aware that better food education is a doctor's best friend but to be recognised by the Royal College of GPs is very special and it gives me and my team even more of an incentive to carry on the work of the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation.'
The award is in line with the RCGP's work on tackling obesity and malnutrition by promoting healthy eating.
All trainee GPs now receive 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.
