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Anorexia: questions to ask your doctor

Last published:Sep 17, 2024

When you talk to your doctor about anorexia, they can give you lots of information about it and what getting better involves. Here are some questions you might want to ask.

  • What is anorexia?

  • Do I have anorexia?

  • Why have I got anorexia?

  • How bad is my anorexia?

  • Has it damaged my health? Will you need to do any tests to check?

  • If my health is damaged, will it go back to normal if I change the way I eat and reach a healthy weight?

  • My periods have stopped. Does that mean I won't be able to have children? Will they start again? Do I still need to use contraception?

  • Why do I need treatment? What if I don’t want treatment?

  • What are the treatment options for anorexia? Does treatment cause any side effects?

  • Will I ever eat normally again?

  • Can you help me, or do I need to see a specialist?

  • Will I have to take time off school/work?

  • Will I be able to diet again I reach a healthy weight?

  • Why do I feel so bad about myself? Am I depressed?

  • Will treatment make me feel better about myself?

  • Will I be fed against my will?

  • Can you refer me to a support group so I can talk to other people who have recovered from anorexia?

The patient information from BMJ Best Practice is regularly updated. The most recent version of Best Practice can be found at bestpractice.bmj.com. This information is intended for use by health professionals. It is not a substitute for medical advice. It is strongly recommended that you independently verify any interpretation of this material and, if you have a medical problem, see your doctor.

Please see BMJ's full terms of use at: bmj.com/company/legal-information. BMJ does not make any representations, conditions, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that this material is accurate, complete, up-to-date or fit for any particular purposes.

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