The rise of Dr Google: Half of Britons now get health advice online rather than seeing their GP

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PUBLISHED:16:38 GMT, 20 March 2013 UPDATED:07:51 GMT, 21 March 2013

Britons are now more than twice as likely to search the internet for health advice as to consult their doctor,ralph lauren uk, a new study shows.

Half of adults go online for lifestyle and nutritional tips,cheap ghd straighteners, and 23 per cent rely on newspapers and magazines.

Just one in five people now turn to their GP to discuss medical matters - only slightly more than the proportion who speak to friends about health problems - 18 per cent.

As a result, people are making lifestyle changes for reasons other than doctor's advice, the study by campaign group Wholegrain Goodness found.

The reasons people make lifestyle changes include reaching a &#8216,christian louboutin sale;certain age&#8217,mulberry factory shop; - 49 per cent - seeing a photograph of themselves they do not like - 47 per cent - and falling ill - 37 per cent.

For women it was revealed that an unflattering photograph is a particularly influential driving factor in making lifestyle changes.

However, the research also showed that some people are unable to make appropriate changes because they are lacking in knowledge of medical issues.

In fact, one in five people - 19 per cent - admit they have ‘no idea’ if their diet is healthy, and half are clueless as to the benefits of eating fruit and vegetables.

A similar number,longchamp selfridges, 20 per cent, do not look at any nutritional labelling on food, while only a third check the calorie count or fat content.

Women's knowledge of health issues is typically better than men’s and older people - aged 55 plus - are generally better informed than the young.

The research also found that people aged under 45 are much less likely to talk to a doctor,Mulberry uk, than their parent's generation.

A significant 56 per cent of 25 to 34-year-olds consult the internet for health advice, and just 16 per cent would go to their GP.

Furthermore, 27 per cent of this age group say the internet is ‘most influential’ factor for them when they are making lifestyle choices.

A doctor is most influential for just 11 per cent of people.

Nutritionist Azmina Govindji, a member of the British Dietetic Association, said there are dangers in not getting the correct health advice.

She said: ‘The research shows people are relying less and less on their GP or dieticians when it comes to seeking medical and nutritional advice.

‘Instead they are embracing modern technology and researching information on the internet.

‘Others, meanwhile, are talking to family and friends, getting advice from them, and making changes to their exercise regimes or diets as a result,polo ralph lauren sale.

‘Anything that encourages people to make lifestyle changes for the better has to be a good thing.

‘However, it is essential the information they are relying upon is safe, accurate, and ideally, evidence-based,mulberry factory shop.’

The study also showed that six in ten people - 61 per cent - describe their diet as ‘healthy’ or ‘very healthy’ but many say there are barriers to improving.

A third - 35 per cent - believe health foods are too expensive, and a fifth - 20 per cent - say keeping fit is too time consuming.

Finally,longchamp le pliage, the research revealed that many people have been prompted to change their lifestyle by having children - 35 per cent - being pressured by friends - 26 per cent – or by getting married - 25 per cent.

These life-changing events typically cause us to reassess what we eat and how we stay active,Mulberry, the study of 2,000 adults suggested.

Dr Tom Brett, Medical Director at Lloydspharmacy Online Doctor said: ‘There is a wealth of useful information available on the internet to help people research their symptoms.

‘Websites such as NHS Choices and Lloydspharmacy Online Doctor offer practical advice on a wide range of health issues and are monitored and updated regularly by registered medical professionals.

‘If you do choose to go online for health advice then it’s extremely important to make sure that you use a credible website to carry out your research.

‘Even more vital is choosing a legitimate provider if you then go on to purchase medication online.’