Eating disorders can be hard to talk about, but understanding them is the first step towards healing. If you’re feeling worried about your eating habits, body image, or mental health, speaking to your GP (general practitioner) is a strong first step towards getting help.
You don’t need to have all the answers or a formal diagnosis. You just need to start the conversation.
Why See a GP About an Eating Disorder?
Your GP is often the first person in your health team. They can:
- Listen to your concerns without judgment
- Check on your physical and mental well-being
- Refer you to specialists like psychologists, dietitians, or psychiatrists
- Help you access a Mental Health Treatment Plan (so you can see a psychologist with Medicare support)
Even if you’re not sure you “fit the criteria” for an eating disorder, if you’re struggling with food or body image—it’s valid, and your GP wants to help.
It’s important to see your regular GP who knows you, or a GP that you are comfortable with. If you don’t have a regular GP, look for a GP who has ‘mental health’ as one of their areas of interest.
Getting Ready for Your GP Appointment
To make the most of your first visit, we recommend booking a long consultation appointment. This gives you and your GP enough time to go through an assessment, discuss your concerns, and plan the next steps without feeling rushed.
Here’s how you can prepare, whether the appointment is for yourself or your child:
For children under the age of 18:
If you’re a parent or caregiver, visit the Feed Your Instinct (FYI) website and complete the interactive checklist. This tool helps you identify any changes you’ve noticed in your child’s eating habits or body image.
Once completed, print the report and bring it to your appointment.
The report will guide your GP on the best course of action for your child’s care.
FYI is a supportive, evidence-based tool designed to help families take the first step toward early intervention.
For Adults (18 and Over)
Before your appointment, you can complete a brief online questionnaire through the InsideOut Institute.
Based on your answers, you may be asked to complete a more detailed tool called the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q).
This assessment gives insight into your experiences and can help your GP better understand what you’re going through.
You’re encouraged to print your results and bring them along to share with your doctor—they can be a helpful part of your diagnosis and treatment plan.
Table 1: Eating Disorder Warning Signs
| Eating disorder warning signs | |
| Behavioural | |
| Avoiding eating in public Fussy eater/banned foods Cooking for others, yet not eating Frequent weighing Excessive exercise Stressed when unable to exercise Trains through injury Restricted/rigid diet Wears baggy clothing Avoiding meals Raiding the refrigerator Eating low-calorie foods | Excessive use of the toilet Body checking Constant focus on food, diet and exercise Has different meals to rest of family Social isolation Calorie counting Use of diet pills, laxatives, supplements Throws away food Denies problem Slow eating/picking at food Developing ‘allergies’ to foodEating in secret |
| Psychological | |
| Anxiety, especially in regards to food/eating Depression Social phobia/withdrawal Distorted body image Negative body image Feelings of a lack of control Suicidality | Poor concentration Perfectionism Low self-esteem Guilt, especially around food Obsessiveness Subtle cognitive changes Hopelessness |
| Physical | |
| Sensitivity to the cold Brittle nails Dorsal finger calluses Stress fractures Muscle cramps Dental caries Parotid enlargement Irregularity or cessation of menstruation Gastrointestinal symptoms—bloating, nausea Anaemia Insomnia | Dry hair or skin Lanugo Feeling faint, cold or tired Bone pain Injuries due to over-exercising Gingivitis Self harm Abdominal pain/distension Early satiety Hypercarotenaemia Halitosis |
What to Expect at the Appointment
Here’s what might happen when you talk to your GP:
- They’ll ask about how you’ve been feeling: including eating habits, thoughts about food and weight, or changes in your mood.
- They may do a physical check-up: During your appointment, your GP may do a basic physical examination to check how your body is doing. This could include measuring your blood pressure, weight, and temperature. These checks help your doctor understand any physical impacts of the eating disorder and decide on the right care for you.
Diagnosis and referrals
Your GP may be able to make a diagnosis during your appointment. If they need more information, they might refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for a more in-depth assessment.
In urgent situations, your GP may recommend immediate care at a hospital or an inpatient treatment facility.
If a diagnosis is made, your GP will discuss treatment options that suit your needs—this might include referrals to services based on your mental and/or physical health.
Treatment could happen through:
- The public health system
- The private health system
- Or a combination of both
If you’re accessing private treatment, your GP may create referrals under an Eating Disorder Plan (EDP), which allows you to receive:
- Up to 40 Medicare-subsidised sessions with a mental health clinician
- Up to 20 subsidised sessions with a dietitian
Your GP Is Part of Your Ongoing Support Team
Even if you’re referred to other specialists, your GP remains a key part of your care team. Building a relationship with a GP you trust is important—finding the right support can take time, and that’s okay.
Recovery is not one-size-fits-all. It may take a few tries to find the treatment approach that works best for you. But with the right support in place, you’re not alone on this journey.
