How to Talk to Your GP About Eating Disorder Concerns

Starting a conversation with your GP about eating concerns can feel incredibly daunting. You might worry that you’ll be dismissed, that your concerns “aren’t bad enough,” or that you won’t find the right words to explain what’s going on.

But reaching out for help is not only brave, it’s an essential step toward recovery. Whether you’re struggling with binge eating, restriction, body image distress, or feeling out of control around food, your GP can play a key role in connecting you with the right care and treatment options.

As Psychologists, we often hear clients say, “I wish I’d spoken to my GP sooner.” This guide is here to help you prepare for that conversation, with compassion and confidence.

Why Talking to Your GP Matters

Your GP is often the first point of contact for eating disorder support in Australia. They can:

• Provide medical monitoring (weight stability, bloods, Heart rate, and other potential physical complications).

• Offer a diagnosis or assessment to inform next steps.

• Create a Mental Health Care Plan or Eating Disorder Management Plans (EDMPs).

• Support access to under Medicare (for eligible clients), and refer you to a psychologist, dietitian, and/or psychiatrist.

Because eating disorders affect both physical and emotional health, having a GP who understands the full picture helps ensure you get the support you deserve.

You can suggest for your GP to have a look at EDV’s Guide for GPs here.

You can use the Butterfly Foundation's Find a professional tool to find a GP with Eating disorder training near you.

Many people feel anxious before bringing up eating concerns, even with a trusted GP. You might worry about being judged, not “sick enough,” or losing control of the process. While these fears are valid, you deserve treatment and care (no matter what the eating disorder tells you). Eating disorders often thrive in secrecy and shame, so talking about them can feel like exposing something deeply personal. Just know that you don’t need the “perfect” words; your GP’s role is to listen and support, not to judge. And almost all GPs are caring and understanding.

How to Prepare for the Appointment 🗒️

1. Write down your main concerns.
Try to describe how your eating, body image, or exercise patterns have changed or are impacting the way you feel about yourself. For example:

• “I feel anxious around food and often restrict or skip meals.”

• “I find myself binge eating when I’m stressed or lonely.”

• “My thoughts about my body are taking over my day.”

2. Bring any recent medical information.
If you’ve had weight changes, menstrual changes, dizziness, or other physical symptoms, note them down. These can help your GP understand the urgency.

3. Mention any emotional distress.
Eating disorders rarely exist in isolation; anxiety, depression, or trauma symptoms may also be present. Let your GP know if you’re feeling low, anxious, or emotionally overwhelmed.

4. Ask if you are eligible to access referrals to Eating disorder practitioners. A multidisciplinary team is best so ask for a referral to a psychologist and a dietitian. If your GP agrees that you meet eligibility criteria for an Eating Disorder Management Plan, you may be able to access up to 40 Medicare-subsidised psychological sessions and 20 dietetic sessions.

What to Say During the Appointment

It’s okay if you’re nervous or get emotional; that’s completely normal. Here are a few sentence starters that can help:

• “I’ve been struggling with my eating and body image, and I think I might need help.”

• “I’ve noticed some changes in how I eat and feel about my body, and it’s starting to affect my day-to-day thoughts.”

• “I’m not sure if it’s an eating disorder, but I’d like to talk about what’s going on.”

If your GP doesn’t bring it up, you can ask:

• “Can you tell me about my options for therapy or support?”

• “Do you think an Eating Disorder Management Plan might apply to my situation?”

• “Could you refer me to a psychologist, and dietitian or a clinic that specialises in eating disorders?”

If You Don’t Feel Heard

Sadly, not all GPs have extensive training in eating disorders. If you feel dismissed, it doesn’t mean your concerns aren’t real; it might just mean you haven’t found the right fit yet.

You can:

• Book a second opinion with another GP (especially one with an interest in eating disorders or has had mental health).

• Bring a friend, partner, or family member for support.

• Print and complete the SCOFF questionnaire to provide to your GP during your appointment.

• If they have indicated that they do not know much about Eating disorders, you can suggest they look into the InsideOut Institute resources for GPs during your appointment. They can find out more at https://gp.insideoutinstitute.org.au/

You deserve to be taken seriously, regardless of your body size, weight, or diagnosis.

Final Thoughts

Reaching out for help is one of the hardest and bravest steps in recovery. You don’t need to have everything figured out before talking to your GP. Just showing up is enough.

If you’re ready to start your recovery journey, our team at recoverED Clinic offers evidence-based, compassionate therapy for eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns across Australia.

You can learn more about our areas of expertise here.

Note: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended as medical /psychological advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personalised guidance.