Visiting a GP because you are worried your child might have an eating disorder is often an anxious and frustrating experience. Most parents arrive exhausted after weeks of poor sleep and arguments over food, sensing something is wrong but unsure how serious it is or how to explain it. The consultation can feel rushed or awkward since eating disorders are not always visible through weight or appearance. Parents often struggle to describe subtle changes such as mood swings, food rituals, and secretive behaviour, while hoping the GP recognises the urgency.
Some doctors respond with kindness, arranging tests or referrals to eating disorder services. That validation can bring a little relief. Others, however, focus mostly on BMI or visible weight loss, which can be misleading in early or atypical cases. Families often leave feeling unheard or embarrassed for “overreacting”. It helps to remind the GP that eating disorders are about malnourishment, not weight. A person can look healthy and still be dangerously unwell.
Despite the stress, that first GP visit is a crucial step, marking the shift from confusion to action. Long waits for treatment and limited services can add to the anxiety. Do not lose hope if you are on a waiting list for services. There is much you can do, since most of the recovery work happens at home. Begin with regular nutrition: three meals and three snacks, non-negotiable. It is hard, but it is the most powerful thing you can do, and EDANZ is here to support you.
