I’m Frightened About Gaining Weight, How Can I Ask for Help

Fear of gaining weight can make asking for help feel threatening.

You may worry that a GP will dismiss you, make you eat differently immediately or focus only on a number. You may even fear that getting better means losing control over your body.

Those fears can become part of what keeps an eating problem hidden. You do not have to resolve them before asking for professional help.

Say the fear itself

You do not need to begin with a diagnostic label.

You could say: “I’m frightened of gaining weight and it is changing how I eat.”

That tells the clinician something important about both your thoughts and behaviour.

Explain what happens when you think you have eaten more than planned, how often weight or shape occupies your mind and whether fear is affecting meals, relationships, work, study or social life.

Do not wait until your appearance matches a stereotype

NICE says professionals should not use BMI alone to decide whether somebody should receive eating-disorder treatment.

You can therefore need assessment even if other people tell you that you look healthy or your body does not resemble an image you associate with eating disorders.

Fear, restriction, binge eating, compensatory behaviour and physical symptoms all matter.

Tell them what your body is doing as well as what your mind is saying

If you have dizziness, fainting, palpitations or other physical changes, mention them.

Eating disorders can affect physical health and clinicians may need to assess both physical and psychological risk.

Do not use an online guide to decide whether your symptoms are serious enough to mention. Give the professional the full picture.

You can make the conversation easier to start

Write down the main points before the appointment.

You might include when the fear began, what eating behaviours have changed, what you avoid, any bingeing or compensatory behaviour, physical symptoms and what you are most frightened will happen if you receive help.

If speaking becomes difficult, hand the note to the clinician.

Assessment is not a test you have to pass

The purpose is not to prove that you are ill enough.

If an eating disorder is suspected after initial assessment, NICE recommends referral to an age-appropriate eating-disorder service for further assessment or treatment.

Professional assessment can also identify when another explanation or form of support needs considering.

Last reviewed

6 September 2026

Important informationThis guide provides general information only and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional medical or eating-disorder advice. Eating disorders can affect physical as well as mental health, and appearance or body weight alone does not show how unwell somebody may be. If you are worried about your eating, food-related behaviours, body image or physical health, speak to your GP or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. If an eating disorder is suspected, specialist assessment should be arranged as early as possible.