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.

[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.