16 year old - Eating Issue

thatlemming

Maybe it's stress. When I was 15 and doing GCSEs (and being bullied almost constantly) I lost a lot of weight, same with my IB exams when I was 18. After GCSEs I gained it all back when I was at college and didn't have anything to worry about anymore (went to a college over an hour away so I could have a fresh new start). However I didn't gain it back after IB, and I still am too skinny - am your daughters height and only 7 and a half stone. I do have a food issue now.

If she likes being a vegetarian, let her, probably her way of 'being in control' when it comes to food. Just make sure she eats stuff with protein in as a replacement. And maybe call the doctors if she keeps losing weight, she must already be close to an 18.5 BMI?

newbutold

I would take her to the doctors for a blood test to make sure there is nothing from a medical point of view causing the lack of appetite.

However it could be down to stress of her exams, I eat less when stressed and find my body just becomes used to less food so that could also explain the loss of appetite.

If the blood teats come back clear, I think you are going to just have to keep a close eye on her until after the exams are over and see if her appetite returns. Also you might have to get a bit sneaky and encourage her to eat without her realising you are!

Idiophreak

stebiz wrote: »

Thanks for the replies.

When myself and my wife ask her, she just says she doesn't have an appetite any more.

I took her for her favourite buffet a couple of weeks ago. All you can eat. Wouldn't touch any meat, and hardly touched anything else.

I'm kind of thinking she likes being slim. But I think she may feel under pressure, with her exams. Anybody else found that with their kids?

I don't know if it's your attitude to meat, or hers, that's a little messed up...but it really doesn't add up to me. Meat's actually really good if you want to shift some pounds - it's high in protein, which promotes muscle growth (which, in turn, continually burn more calories), it's generally pretty low in carbs and fat (if you get good, lean cuts) and it acts as an appetite suppressant, so you don't feel the need to eat as much.

I can't decide if
a) you think she's avoiding meat because it will make her fat
b) you think her eating meat will make her fat

Taadaa

I was like it at her age, the exam stress was a trigger. Def take her to the doctors because she might be physically affected by the stress. If her tastes are changing try and find out what she likes and buy it in. Let her not eat meat of that's what se wants. Will she eat fish? Quorn?

stebiz

I've just spoke to her again. I've told her that I'm taking her to the shop in 10 minutes, and she can choose anything at all...Veggie or Meat and I'll cook it for her.

She wouldn't go at first. But now just me and her are going, so I can have a little chat with her.

She has always been a fussy eater. Hates the idea of anything with fat in it (hence no meat) but isn't that keen on other food either.

I so hope it is just a passing phase. Breaks my heart.:(

gingin_2

I'm no expert but did have various eating disorders ( mainly bulimia) from 12 until late 20's.

I would say leave the meat issue, discuss it with, tell her you are happy for her to be a veggie but she must eat an adequate substitute.

I would prepare and get her to help make fresh, healthy, light food that she might like and encourage her to eat little and often if she prefers - my mum would make pies and stodgy food that as a teenage girl I did not want to eat so I would just eat it to keep the peace then go and throw it up afterwards.

I would never eat breakfast, I think that's the most important meal of the day for a teenager doing exams, can you get her to make some requests for what she might like to eat to give her some stamina?

You could talk to a doctor, or is there a school nurse who might have some advice for you?

stebiz

gingin wrote: »

or is there a school nurse who might have some advice for you?

I hadn't thought of that. Thanks

VfM4meplse

Taadaa wrote: »

7lb is a lot of weight for a 16 yo to lose in 40 days imho.

I disagree, it's only the equivalent of a pound a week but the figures provided indicate that this girl is very thin for her height, and if allowed to progress it could be very concerning. Involving a GP now is going to cause lots of resentment.

OP, keep an eye on your DD's behaviour but do not make a big deal out of it. As Taadaa say, insist that she has meals with you, find out what protein sources she would like to eat instead iof meat, involve her in their preparation, and generally mummy her a bit - take milk and biscuits up to her when she has a break from revision, and make sure she eats them whilst you chat. With 12 GCSEs to sit she is under huge pressure, don't do anything that may disrupt her concentration, but let her know that you are on her side and give her daily (calorific) treats as a reward - they don't need to be sweet, almonds and cashews are great. Statistically, it's the more intelligent girls that are more susceptible to eating disorders so I think you're right to be alarmed, just don't let her know that she is under your watchful gaze.

DKLS

I would second contacting b-eat they are an amazing organisation, they offer support to both sufferers of EDS but also for parents and carers. They have some great tips on how to communicate with teens about food and helping to avoid the battles.

DylanO

So you daughter gave up meat to 'test her will power' and decided that she didn't want to eat meat anymore, which is perfectly valid, and you respond in taking away a teenager's choice and control over her own eating habits by forcing her to eat meat? Well done, that's so sensible.

If she's getting enough nutrition then she'll be fine, it sounds like she wants to be a vegetarian but doesn't want to tell her control-freak of a father who thinks it's acceptable to force someone to eat meat.

You should phone the doctor - for yourself. You should be ashamed of yourself.