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.

[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.