Teen Doesn't Eat-Never Hungry

[karenb2001]

I have a 15 year boy that has always been a picky eater.  Last year, I took him to the doctor for a physical and explained my concerns. She said as long as his weight is normal (it was in the low percentile for average) don't push food on him anymore.  To be honest, it was a relief not to argue over meals anymore.  I told him to eat when he wants, what he wants and take a daily multivitamin.  He's tall and very thin, to the point he is aware of it and tries to hide it under bulky clothing.  He has expressed he would love to gain weight, that I should buy protein drinks or anything high in calories.  My question is:  Is there a condition where someone is rarely hungry and has an aversion to most foods?  He says sometimes he gets hungry, then it passes and he's not hungry anymore.  He wants to change, but nothing looks good to eat.  I would like to add he does eat cereal and pizza with no problems and never gets tired of this diet.  He has been this way since about 2years old.  I can't seem to find anything on the internet except about anorexia, which doesn't seem right because he wants to gain weight.

[TrekkieJediWhovian]

   I'm 12 years old, and a female athlete competing in both competitive swimming and gymnastics.  I have trouble eating the minimum nutritional requirements for non-active girls my age, and I am an extreme athlete. I'm not anorexic, and I was underweight when I was 6 just because I didn't eat enough, because I wasn't hungry. It makes me really susceptible  to overtraining, and it is very, very, inconvenient. I'm never hungry, and could comfortably get through a day with no breakfast, fruit for lunch, and half a serving of regular food for dinner. Sometimes I feel really hungry, but then I eat like 3 bites of food and feel full. If I eat a normal amount of food it rises up in my throat, and I feel a bit nauseous when I eat. I am currently suffering from overtraining and a mild protein deficiency. I live in a loosely and not obligatedly vegetarian family, and I just don't like the taste of meat. Maybe it's just how I'm built and my DNA. I'm at an extremely low percentile weight, but healthy. I say just as long as he's healthy, and comfortable with his physique. I think he should work with how he is, and just eat even though not hungry, don't use meds or try to make him more hungry or anything, because I know from experience that will just mess him up. You should also see if there are any underlying medical reasons, but if there aren't, there aren't, and it's just how he was made by god/nature/whatever you believe in. -Also I'm gifted as you might be able to tell from my post.

[TrekkieJediWhovian]

Oh, I'm really sorry. I don't know how those numbers got in. Hopefully you still can read it. : |

[Paxiled]

You're only 12 years old and an extreme athlete and you don't eat?  You might feel fine now, but you're in for a lifetime of pain.  If I'm reading this correctly you really need some help because what you're describing is an eating disorder.  Nobody has to eat meat to be healthy, but simply being a vegetarian doesn't imply being thin, either.  It still depends on what you eat -- you can be a vegetarian and eat nothing but candy and still be fat as can be.  Look at Hindus in India, mostly vegetarian but not all thin by a long shot.  A vegetarian still has to get the best mix of protein and carbs as anyone else, it just comes from different sources.  

[Mariawads]

Kristie, as far as the X-ray of the hand and wrist please don’t worry. My son had to have that done along with blood work. That basically shows where they stand in term of growth. So if they X-ray shows that his growth is at a 10 year old and he is 13 years old then that means he’s just delayed. Which is a good thing. He will hithis growth later. On the other hand if I️t shows right on target then they will talk about growth hormones which in my eyes would be a big NO. I️ say this based on experience! Hope this helps

[Husly121615]

It honestly could be something as simple as parasite overgrowth. If he eats junk food all the time and that's it he's just feeding bad things in his stomach. Parasite cleanse

[Lucymahala]

You posted this only 13 days ago and I really hope you are doing better. Have you talked to your mum and dad? Maybe another adult you get on with at home or school. You really need someone to help you through this.
A lot of the people in this forum find drinking some nutrition a better option that eating, smoothies, juices, milkshakes, protein shakes. Can you try hard to drink some calories?
I was looking through this forum because my 12 yr old boy doesn't eat much and never notices he is hungry. I do though because his behavior goes very "messy".
For the most part I am relieved as there seem to be lots of kids out their who just aren't hungry.
Somehow they do need to get food into their systems - probably not the amount that an average person consumes (but that's probably way too much!)
I really hope you've managed to get through this stage...let us know how you're doing

[Entropical]

So, I'm 16 and I've always been a picky eater, with extremely similar symptoms to those on this thread, but the key, I think, to understanding this is looking at the foods people like me WILL eat. They are all simple foods where the contents are known and the taste is usually controlled by one main component in most circumstances. Look at the foods mentioned here mostly; pizza, chips, fizzy drinks, ice cream etc. None of these foods are complicated. Take a look at some of the other foods you normal eaters will eat; they probably contain sauces with 8-9 different components that all taste differently or have different textures.

For me and others here, I suspect that those with these kind of symptoms are extremely sensitive to particular textures, tastes etc. And if they are present at all in any of the foods we are given, it is extremely unpleasant for us to eat. When 'normal' eaters eat foods all of the foods blend together to create a single final taste that perhaps you enjoy, but in the case of eaters like me, we break each food down into its separate components and textures and if any one of them is unpleasant for us the whole meal is ruined.

It just so happens that the most easily accessible 'simple' foods happen to be the unhealthy ones, but you will find that there are many dishes that are fairly simple but also a bit healthier if you look for them. To be honest, some of you might chose more unhealthy dishes anyway to try and fatten up. :P

I hope I've been able to give some insight into why, for me at least, I feel and act this way and perhaps you may be able to use what I've said to better understand why you or your child feels this way. It could be something alone to me, but given the similarities between me and the others on this thread, I feel like it could be the common reason why people act this way.

[RayTay]

Im 13 years old and I've  always been a picky eater. For the past couple of years I havent been eating meat. So I always said I was a vegetarian, but then again I dont eat vegetables or fruits that often either. So my mom and I joke around and say Im a carbatarion. Which means I only eat carbs and junk food. Lately though, my stomach just never feels hungry anymore. For the past 2 weeks, usually all I eat is a granola bar for the whole day, but when I force myself to eat, once I swallow 2 or 3 bites....I feel like Im starving. I feel like my body has forgotten about food, or how to feel hungry until I actually put food in my mouth. Can anyone relate? Does anyone have an explanation for this?

[Ficklebob]

I'm 23 and healthyish and a bit overweight. I've never known what it is to be hungry. I can literally not eat for two-three days straight and I don't feel any more like eating. But barring rice pudding, olives and aubergines I will find any kind of food appetizing and love to eat when something's on hand

[xXxTrebleClefxXx]

I'm 15 and was just diagnosed with AFRID. It can be quite hard to get a diagnosis though. I have been having the problem since I was 18 months old. I believe that the longer that the  symptoms have been going on for, the higher the chances are for a diagnosis. When I told them the severity and how long it has been going on, they seemed to be more helpful.  Since it's new, not many doctors are treating it currently, so it can be hard for treatment. So far they offered me part time in hospital treatment. When they looked more into it though, they said they don't accept ARFID patients at the moment. They said they are trying to fix that as soon as possible. The waiting list would be really long. In the meantime, I believe I'm going to go through desensitizing therapy, again. I'm not sure what other options there are at the moment. Hope everything goes well for you. Good luck! :)

[NJMom4]

I can't believe it's taken me this long to find this forum - but I'm so glad I did.  My son is 18 years old, a little over 6' and weighs 125-130 lbs.  We have battled with weight issues for almost 10 years and at one point he was so thin we were sent to a facility that specialized in eating disorders and he was thoroughly examined for that and other health issues.  We have seen nutritionists, therapists, gastro. etc.  He was never diagnosed with anything specific and he still has so much trouble gaining weight simply because he doesn't have much of an appetite.  He will sleep for long periods of time and so will go a long time before eating anything.  He also is not concerned about his weight and is really not too motivated to gain weight.  As a child he had sensory issues which I think limited the foods that he will eat and also many smells deterred him from eating.  Now he's so used to eating so little that I think he must just have a small stomach and is not very interested in food.  He "eats to live".  I saw someone mention a new diagnosis of ARFID (avoidance/restrictive food disorder).  From what I saw there was no underlying medical reason for any of this, just more of a mental disorder.  Has anyone had any success with this diagnosis?  It's good to know that I'm not making something out of nothing, or that I'm not the only one going through this.  Thanks to all those who posted their story and info!!

[KristieHennessy]

I just found this forum today. I am somewhat relieved I have found another parent facing the issues I am facing. My son is 14. He says he "eats to live" where as both my husband n I "live to eat". But neither of us is considered overweight...we just love to cook n love to eat! My son recently had a physical and he is in the 1st & 3rd percent tile for height n weight. His two best friends are much taller but just as skinny as he is.  The doctor said blood work came back normal but now wants a bone growth xray done. I dont want him exposed to any unnecessary radiation (he already gets xrays of his teeth twice a year from the dentist). I am, by far, not a person who thinks xrays will harm a person but has any doctor recommended an xray of his wrist to monitor bone growth?  Have u ever heard of that? I worry about him...ALL THE TIME...but SILENTLY.  My husband works sooo hard n I don't want to worry him but sometimes I feel like my secret concerns are spilling over into my marriage. On one hand I think everyone has their growth spurt in due time...but on the other hand I wonder Is there something wrong with my son? Even if I don't receive any information on this forum, it's just nice to know I'm not alone.Thanks for listening ♡

[Rifat_Bin_Maruf]

I'm also 15 years old. Don't know why but before i finish my meal i feel full and can't eat. All praise to God i've a average height of 5"6 but i'm so thin. I'm only 48kg. Somedays ago don't know how but after studying when i stand up i got senseless and fall on the ground. I'm really afraid about my health. I want to gain average weight but i can't eat. Please please give me a solution.

[kiramoy]

My husband and his son are like this too. My husband will eat a big plate of food if I put it in front of him, but on his own he often forgets to eat and isn't hungry. My son mostly eats pizza, cliff bars, and cereal.
I've started giving them Shakeology, which is not just a protein shake but also provides vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and adaptogens. Most people drink it to lose weight, but with people who don't want to eat often I'd rather see them put good nutrition in their bodies rather than skip meals.

[dagat]

I have the same problem my son is 24 years old still live with me and only weigh 79 lbs he eats like a 3 years old I don't know what to do I did try everything he is always angry if I forced him to eat. I need some advice what to do.

[Jpbpbptp]

You didn't give alot of info about your gandson but if he's extremely picky you may want to look at info re :an eating disorder called ARFID.  My son is in therapy for this and has gotten help. Not enough info about your grandson to really know if that's what going on with him but may want to check into it.

[Jpbpbptp]

I have a 16 yr son and he also is very slender (6ft, 120pds). Until recently he was an extremely picky eater, only eating about 10 items all carb based mainly pizza and snacks, no meat, fruit or vegetables. He is now at the tail end of getting treatment/therapy  for a newly recognized eating disorder called ARFID (Avoidance Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). It's been a lot of work but he now is starting to eat a few meats and fruits and increasing his overall intake. I realize some of these posts are many years old but some people/children on here sound like they could definitely have ARFID. Maybe worth researching and checking on for some.

[jipped]

My 19 year old son is going through that now.  It didn't start until the beginning of his sophmore year in college. Also, pizza and cereal are his triggers but waning.  I'm interested in what the therapist said.

[flojean]

   Gosh these responses span seven years !  I looked up the subject because of my grandson. It has always concerned us because he eats so little and has always been a picky eater. He too prefers liquids.   He is athletic , smart and charming, but I worry about his long term health.  He too is small for his age and that is pointed out to him of course, and I think he worries about growing to an average size.  Seems to be a common condition with no answers.

[flojean]

   Gosh these responses span seven years !  I looked up the subject because of my grandson. It has always concerned us because he eats so little and has always been a picky eater. He too prefers liquids.   He is athletic , smart and charming, but I worry about his long term health.  He too is small for his age and that is pointed out to him of course, and I think he worries about growing to an average size.  Seems to be a common condition with no answers.

[yellowmack]

Really interesting to read these threads.
I have a 13yr old son who is under weight and only eats cereal, pasta, pizza and bread based foods.
Yesterday he commented that he 'enjoys feeling hungry as he knows that he is burning-off calories'. I was most alarmed by this comment - what should I do; am I overreacting?
He has witnessed me diet on and off throughout his life and, obviously, I'm concerned that him witnessing my unhealthy relationship with food, may be the root of such a comment.

[HelpPlz7777777]

Me too you just described my life so far and I'm 14 and 5"0 and about 88 lbs (I know its sad right?). I also hate when people point out that I'm so thin or that I'm so small it's really annoying and insulting. Even when I eat half of my meal I'm full and can't eat anymore or I'll throw up/feel sick. I've asked the doctor about this and all she said was too eat more protein but I find that really hard! Any Advice?

[feliss]

I'm struggling with this wit my 19yo son.

He isn't very active, is very skinny and has little energy. When he's not at uni, he wakes at midday and stays up until 2am. He eats one or two small meals a day, if I make them and prefers to eat bread, pizza and cereal. He eats almost no vegetables and fruit only if I prepare it and give it to him.

My friend is a naturopath and thinks he has a problem with gluten but my son flatly refuses to try a gluten-free diet. She says the dark circles under his eyes are typical. He definitely has gut issues because I sometimes give him probiotics in milkshakes and there is a noticeable improvement in his energy levels and appearance.

Subconscious anxiety around food as a result of early life experiences is a possibility.

[madisonlove21]

I am also a 16 year old girl. I have always been on the thin side and I used to eat all the time (not even kidding, all the time). Recently I haven't been as hungry and when I do get hungry I'll only have a small amount of food and then be full. I am 5'4" and have stooped back down to 79 lbs. I would love to gain weight. It's not that I hate my body so much as I would like to be less thin. People often give judgmental looks and sometimes I find out people say I look anorexic. I often get asked by people close to me "why are you so thin?". Do these things happen to you? My mom is concerned about my weight and allows me to get whatever I want from the store but I hardly ever get more than a few items because nothing sounds good. Does this happen to you? I hope you do respond. Perhaps we may be able to help each other.

[justicegs]

I have similar problems. I am a 16 year old girl. I have never been a picky eater In fact about a year ago I could eat everything and still be hungry. recently I have noticed I am never hungry and if I am it lasts a very short period of time and the only thing that sounds good to me is cheerios. I am learning about eating disorders and don't feel I fit into the categorize because I am thin and want to gain weight. Food just doent sound good to me anymore. I am asked at a returant what i want to eat and cant seem to pick anything because everything makes my stomach hurt. I would love some ideas to make food sound appealing because my parents are starting to catch on about my little eating and are getting worried.  

[hdinsacto]

Sounds like you are writing about my 11 1/2 yr old son - to a T! 70 lbs and holding for a LONG time.  He gets straight A's and is a superior athlete, but I have NO idea how.  He's never been a good sleeper (since before he was born) doesn't eat much at all (prefers sweets, pizza, chips, etc).  He used to LOVE fruit, so I try to keep as many kiwi, strawberries and mangoes in the house as I can.  I also make him milkshakes w/ice cream and Instant Breakfast added.  He's 3rd percentile for height (down from a high of 10%), so we're very worried, of course.

[WorriedMom66]

Re: marijuana for appetite stimulant. BE VERY CAREFUL!! l The use of marijuana has been linked to cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS). And trust me it is worse than being a little under weight and having low appetite.  CVS  Ia horrible non curable  hard to control disease and IT IS 100 % linked to marijuana usage.  Read about it.  Come out of no where.   And after an episode my teen/adult child  loses upwards of 8 -10 lbs!!   It takes days and  days to get back onto solid foods. and months to make up the lost pounds. Then another episode. Vicious circle. PLEASE try other routes.  I wish I had tried harder to get her off marijauna. now its almost impossible.  Sure it helps the appetite temporarily but the end cost .....  

[tomwesp]

It is refreshing to see so many others with the same issues we are struggling with in our 14 year old son. But was hoping to find answers. Has anyone on here found something that works.

[Wildfire7777]

Have you looked into food allergies? They manifest in strange ways. Even if they aren't full blown allergies they could be good sensitivities. My husband never cared for milk and found out he is highly allergic to it, both in long term and short term allergy tests. I also read a book about Chrons disease. They man could not gain weight. He found out when he was in his 20's that he had Chrons disease and when he modified his diet, he had a better appetite and was able to maintain a healthy weight.