Why You Shouldn't Lie To Your Doctor About Your Diet
If you stop for fast food almost every night, you may be tempted to hide that fact from your doctor. It may be embarrassing to admit that your diet isn't as healthy as it could be, but you should always be honest with your doctor when they ask about it. A 2018 study found that 80% of participants admitted to hiding some information from their physician (via Jama Network). The most common reason for lying was that patients didn't want to be judged by their doctors.
Physicians agree that this couldn't be further from the truth. "The doctor-patient relationship should be a no-embarrassment zone where you feel comfortable to be completely honest," Michael F. Roizen, MD, told Today. "If you don't tell your doctor everything, [they] can't help you."
If you have tried to communicate with your doctor and still don't feel comfortable about it, you may want to consider switching physicians. Explain how you're feeling to your doctor and they will likely help you find a physician who will better suit your needs. You should worry more about your own health than hurting your doctor's feelings (and their feelings won't be hurt if you're honest about why you need a change).
Lying about your diet can have additional health consequences
We all know the importance of a healthy diet. According to Medical News Today, a healthy diet includes "nutrient-dense foods from all major food groups, including lean proteins, whole grains, healthful fats, and fruits and vegetables of many colors." Eating a balanced diet has many positive health benefits, including improved heart health, reduced risk of developing cancer, better mood, improved brain health, weight loss, better sleep, and much more.
On the flip side, eating an unhealthy diet can increase your risk of gaining weight and developing many diseases. If you're someone who is already at risk of developing a certain disease, your doctor needs to know if you are frequently eating foods that can increase your risk even more.
Your doctor is also a qualified professional who can help you manage your weight if you'd like to shed a few pounds. There is no reason to feel ashamed when talking to your doctor about poor diet habits — they'll be eager and excited to help you build a healthier lifestyle. Be honest about the foods you struggle with and why you have a hard time eating healthy. All of this information will help your doctor develop a diet plan you can actually stick to (via The Healthy).