Your GP has likely heard it all before—and then some.
They’ve got years of experience, the ability to read between the lines, and probably a healthy dose of scepticism. When you try to lie your way through an appointment — when you can actually get a face-to-face one or even a phoner, that is! — chances are, they know. While they won’t necessarily call you out, here are 17 things your GP probably knows you’re not being entirely truthful about. If you actually want them to help you, you need to be more upfront.
1. “I barely drink.”
Your GP has heard “just the occasional glass of wine” a thousand times—and they know it’s often code for way more. They’re not judging, but knowing how much you actually drink helps them spot potential issues. Being honest could save you from bigger problems later.
2. “I exercise regularly.”
When they ask about your fitness habits, saying, “Oh, I work out all the time,” doesn’t fool them if your health tells a different story. They can usually tell the difference between a daily jogger and someone who considers walking to the fridge a workout.
3. “I always take my medication.”
If you’re skipping doses or ignoring your prescription altogether, your GP can often tell by the progress—or lack thereof—in your condition. They’d much rather you admit it so they can help you figure out why it’s been tough to stick to the plan.
4. “I’ve never Googled my symptoms.”
Most GPs can spot a patient armed with a self-diagnosis courtesy of late-night web searches. It’s okay to research, but they’d prefer if you share your findings openly instead of pretending you haven’t been down the internet rabbit hole.
5. “I don’t smoke.”
Claiming you’ve quit smoking is a classic one, but your GP might notice the tell-tale signs like stained teeth, a persistent cough, or the faint smell of tobacco. They’re not here to judge—just to help you quit for real when you’re ready.
6. “I eat a really balanced diet.”
Your GP doesn’t buy it when you say you’re eating “loads of veggies” while your bloodwork says otherwise. They can spot the difference between a leafy green enthusiast and someone who considers chips a vegetable. Being honest about your eating habits helps them give you better advice.
7. “I don’t have any stress.”
When you insist you’re “not stressed” while clenching your jaw and barely sleeping, your GP knows there’s more to the story. Admitting you’re feeling overwhelmed can open the door to real solutions and support.
8. “I only drink socially.”
“Socially” can mean different things to different people, but if your definition involves four nights a week and double shots, your GP might pick up on the gap between words and reality. They’re not here to ruin your fun—just to ensure it’s not impacting your health.
9. “I floss every day.”
Okay, technically this is your dentist’s territory, but GPs have a pretty good radar for this one too. If your gums tell a different story, they’re not judging—they just know the truth about how often most people actually floss.
10. “I haven’t noticed any side effects.”
If you’re experiencing side effects from medication but don’t want to mention them, your GP might see the clues anyway. Whether it’s a rash, dizziness, or something else, they’d rather know upfront so they can help adjust your treatment.
11. “I sleep like a baby.”
Dark circles, irritability, or fatigue are dead giveaways that your sleep habits aren’t as solid as you’re claiming. GPs can spot poor sleep patterns and are usually more than willing to help you improve them—no need to pretend.
12. “I haven’t noticed any changes.”
When they ask about symptoms or follow-ups, saying, “Nothing’s changed,” can be tempting if you’re hoping to speed things along. But if they spot subtle signs that something’s up, they’ll know you might not be telling the full story.
13. “I only take natural remedies.”
If you’re taking supplements, over-the-counter meds, or herbal remedies, it’s better to be upfront. Your GP isn’t here to disapprove—they just need to know what’s in your system to avoid potential interactions or complications.
14. “I’m sticking to the diet plan.”
When the scale or lab results don’t match your claims, your GP might suspect a few cheat meals have slipped in. They understand how tough it is to stay consistent and would rather help you find a sustainable approach than hear excuses.
15. “I don’t have any bad habits.”
Whether it’s late-night snacking, excessive screen time, or skipping workouts, most people have a habit or two they’d rather not admit. GPs aren’t expecting perfection—they just want to help you make healthier choices where possible.
16. “I’m feeling fine.”
If you’re brushing off symptoms to avoid extra tests or conversations, your GP can often tell when something’s being downplayed. It’s better to be honest about how you’re feeling so they can address concerns before they become bigger issues.
16. “I never ignore medical advice.”
Your GP knows not everyone follows every piece of advice to the letter, and that’s okay. Admitting where you’ve slipped up or struggled makes it easier for them to help you find realistic ways to stick to your plan.
