Vegan diet and unexplained weight loss

[Mandy34621]

My son is 6 feet tall and has lost over 60 pounds in the last year, and has lost another 5 pounds just this week.  He is a vegan since he was 7 and I think this is contributing to his weight loss.  Do other vegans have this problem and how do they deal with weight loss?  How many calories does an 18 year old boy need?  He is also hyperactive and paces constantly, etc. He stays awake for two or three days at a time not feeling hungry and only eating when I insist, then sleeping 18 to 24 hours to make up for it.  This may certainly be part of the problem.  Do you have any ideas on foods that he can eat to gain weight that fit a vegan lifestyle and what he could do to get back on a regular sleep cycle?

[Terry248]

When my son lost over 60 lbs., staying awake for days at a time, starting art projects, sewing, etc. it was because he was using speed.  He would sleep 18 to 24 hours because his body was completely wiped out from the speed run he just came down from.  Find a source/support group for people who love and live with drug users.  All of the symptoms you describe are consistent with speed use.  If I am wrong, and I hope I am, I sincerely apologize.  If you were never a drug user, it probably is harder to recognize it in others.  God Bless.  Get in touch with Narc Anon or Al Anon, people who are co-dependents with users, alcoholics, etc.

[vegmom]

My husband, children and I are all healthy vegans with stable weights.  We are neither under nor overweight. As with any kind of diet, you must watch what you eat and do it right to acquire good health.  

[josh231]

i was thinkin same thing as terry

[IMCINDY]

I too was going to recommend you looking into wether he does drugs or not.  I am a Vegetarian and I certainly do not loose weight like that at all.  He really needs some help for his issue indeed.  

Cindy