my son will not eat will only drink

My son is 41/2 yrs old for the longest time now I have been noticing that he just refuses to eat never thought much about it cause he drinks alot, but he is in Pre-K just for 1/2 a day and the Teacher had even brought it to my attention that my son does not eat any of his lunch but he will drink his juice box he just plays with the food. Recently I have been I don't want to use the words force but I have been really laying it on him that he can't leave the table till he is done, or I would have to try and sit there and feed him as if he were a baby he sits there and chews and chews and chews like as though he just really does not want to swallow the food, this is really concerning me cause I have noticed my son's clothes are getting very loose what can I do. HELP!!!

[Renee Radenberg]

His weight is on the 25th percentile which is normal for his age. Since he likes milk, suggest giving him in place of milk high nutrient dense drinks, Pediasure or make your own milkshakes (milk, ice cream, and fresh fruit or frozen fruit – if he accepts it) or yogurt smoothies (yogurt, fresh fruit, and frozen fruit) for additional calories and protein. Try to get him ‘engaged’ in the kitchen more by helping you set the table or limited preparation of food. Have him help you make the milkshakes. Children love to be a part of making food. Hopefully this will increase his interest in other types of food. The most important thing is to relax. It becomes the battle of the wits between the child and the parents. Let him eat what he wants. Slowly introduce new foods, and if he does not want it, do not make a fuss over it. Let it go and enjoy the meal.