Anorexia worry

[Alliegid]

My 16yr old son is painfully thin (BMI of 15.6) and I a very worried about him. He does eat, but not massive amounts and the things he eats lots of have no calories in them - lettuce, gherkins, marmite, cucumber etc. He doesn't miss meals or bring the food up afterwards, but I know he needs to eat more.

He doesn't feel hungry and thinks he looks OK(usually wears lots of layers, but will strip off for a swim on occasion)

I am really worried and don't know where to go to get help. we recently saw dr, about something else & he didn't even comment on this. Please point me in. the right direction

Thanks

[Sqad]

Age 16...BMI 15.6 Otherwise healthy.

No big deal.

[Alliegid]

He has passed out 4 times in last month (which is why I took him to dr in first place)

[DEN53]

Alliegid - my son is now 19 but from the age of 16 to 18 he was like a stick, never having the appetite like other boys of his age - then suddenly when he turned 19 he started to 'fill out' - I think all youngsters go through body changes - in fact when my son was around 12, 13, 14 he was really quite chubby.

So I can understand your worry and if you feel the need, then speak to your GP or practice nurse.

..............................
Sqaddie - stop telling people its no big deal when they ask a medical question, I know this is the doctor side of you speaking, but it is a 'big deal' to the person asking the question, otherwise they wouldn't be asking {:o)

[Alliegid]

Thanks for that DEN53, just been looking at photos of him last summer and he looked healthy lad, now he looks like a pale stick!

He is a high achiever (just got 9A/A*s in GCSEs, but apparently( thankfully) doesn't feel unduly stressed about changing schools etc.

I'm just worried :o(

[DEN53]

What did the Doctor say about him fainting Alliegid ?

[Alliegid]

Testing him for thyroid, anaemia, etc.- his blood glucose is fine (I'm diabetic and test all the children now & again!)

He like me has slightly low blood pressure, and the dr explained that it was probably standing up after a period of inactivity, particularly in hot weather - basically not enough blood getting to his brain, in layman terms. I'm fairly confident that that is all it is, it was just a convenient reason to get him to the Drs.

I think that his attitude to food needs addressing, and I feel a bit out of my depth! I don't think that Mum is always the best person to help with this.

[DONNA1458]

if you still cook for him introduce high calorie foods in little portions or you can buy build up soups and drinks from the chemist i have had simlar problem i also enquired at the priory who have a centre for eating disorders in Bury Lancashire but it expensive at �4800 for a weeks stay but can get refered on NHS.

[Alliegid]

Thanks Donna, I am trying my hardest with the high calorie food, splashing the olive oil into recipes, adding cheese etc. Trouble is that he doesn't like nuts, greasy stuff etc. and will only eat small portions.

I could represent Britain in cake making, but he will only eat a micro slice, on occasion.

[DEN53]

Does he go out for MacDonalds etc with his mates ?

[Alliegid]

No (he is a veggie) He will eat out at Nandos etc with his mates (but he never spends much) so I assume that he doesn't eat much.

[sara3]

so if you put a plate of healthy, nutritious food in front of him... ??

[Alliegid]

He'll move it around a lot and chop it up and tell me he is full/ not hungry. Then eat a little bit of it

[sara3]

it may be a phase. why don't you go and discuss your worries with your GP, without your son?

what's his actual height and weight?

[Johigham1234]

Mums should always go by their gut instinct to know if all is not well. Insist on your Doctor taking note or referring him.

[Alliegid]

I think that I might do that - will they see me if I'm not "ill"?

He is 6 ft 1" and about 8st 8 ish I think

[tamborine]

he could be bored with your food. Buy fish & chips for his dinner.....the smell should make him eat.

If he likes chips buy him lots from chippy - that'll bulk him up.

[sara3]

I did something similar. when I made the appt I said it was me but I was coming in to discuss my son.

he sounds thin but not dangerously so. put your mind at ease and go and talk it through.

[Alliegid]

Thanks all - I will make an appt at Drs

[Johigham1234]

Dont be afraid to ask to see your Dr or ask to be referred. It is your right to ask and say where you want to be referred to. Maybe the Dr did not mention the fact that he was underweight as he had not seen him for a long time and tall boys do seem lanky. Good Luck and I hope he is soon well.