How do you handle kids that overeat?

amother

Stone

Sun, Feb 11 2024, 12:05 pm

amother Hunter wrote:

I think you’re projecting. Do you know teenage boys?

He’s not hiding his eating, he actually doesn’t sound emotionally invested in it at all (a binger may try to restrict then overeat or be generally obsessed with food).

He sounds unaware of his body and mindlessly eating.

Did you read this from the OP? And you're saying this is normal teenage boy behavior?

"But when he sees food he literally can't stop himself. Food excites him. He grabs it when he sees it without any manners...its really kind of horrifying. Over age 10. And he still gets Food all over his face and shirt and dirty hands etc."

I don't think anyone can rule out a problem based on the few paragraphs provided. You're not in school and this is not a test with a multiple choice answer. OP needs to speak to someone who can get the full picture. She came here to ask if it's normal and the answer is no.

Cheiny

Sun, Feb 11 2024, 4:43 pm

amother Caramel wrote:

Im curios to what your portion sizes are??
He is a growing teen
They eat a LOT.
I dont think 5 pieces of challa is that much- its the first thing in the meal hes hungry....

I think 5 pieces of challah is excessive even for an adult.
OP, I agree your child should have a medical evaluation first. If all is okay, please don’t even consider the comments about the overeating because that’s been found to have a counterproductive effect and will fill the child with shame, and probably make them start hiding their food intake and indulging outside the home as well.

Has anything changed in the child’s life recently? It would be helpful to have them speak to a professional to get at the source of the issue. “It’s not what you’re eating, it’s what’s eating you,” is many times the issue.

It’s good to have healthy snacks available and handy, a bowl of fresh fruit on the table, etc., and you can also get your child to take a long walk with you daily (without telling them, of course, that it’s for the sake of weight control) or both of you join a gym, or go swimming… it’s also a great way to spend time together and have fun. Healthy habits always help.

amother

Acacia

Sun, Feb 11 2024, 7:28 pm

Are you certain that the weight is from the real food he eats at home? Because most boys I know gain the weight from all the treats and bribes at school. Danishes, sodas, constantly getting supplied.

Boys have a massive appetite at this age. But is it real food that is causing?

Also, I think anything you do will be counterproductive and cause long term emotional damage. Better ,(harder, I know) to let him get to the point of his weight bothering him and let the change be coming from him eventually and you can just be supportive then.

amother

Cyclamen

Sun, Feb 11 2024, 7:42 pm

I couldn’t write this post.. my 10 years old is almost 200 lbs all u can do is be a good example…. I will say I am drinking 2 cups of watter before every meal so I will eat less… start every meal with veg soup… I asked many heavy adults if anything any ones did as a child
Helped them… oh my the stories I heard… they willl never forget the one cup of soda/ 2 spoons of dip rule… I take my son biking… he actually moves fast bh… u can def be fat and fit he thinks he is all muscles he is wearing 2x men… he is 10 what will I do next year??? It keeps me up at night

amother

Azure

Sun, Feb 11 2024, 8:15 pm

amother Cyclamen wrote:

Take him to a childhood obesity clinic. They have a full array of different specialists to help.

ectomorph

Sun, Feb 11 2024, 8:18 pm

Bloodwork does not rule out a physical cause!!!

Op, take your child to an endocrinologist. This definitely sounds out of the norm and should be referred to a specialist. A regular pediatrician won't know what to look for.

amother

Razzmatazz

Sun, Feb 11 2024, 8:21 pm

Cheiny wrote:

5 pieces of challah isn’t excessive. I can easily eat more than that myself.

amother

Hunter

Sun, Feb 11 2024, 10:29 pm

amother OP wrote:

I decided I'm going to focus on getting him moving more. More exercise. He loves sports but he also loves screen time...gonna have to curb that and get him outside more..

Please also take him to be checked out by the ped- email or call the office before to write your concern to the doctor and ask that it should not be discussed in front of him.

Nothing you wrote sounds crazy to me especially if he is just totally unaware- I didn’t learn what proteins/ carbs were till a HIGH SCHOOL nutrition class. Doesn’t mean you have to educate him about nutrition but it might mean that having more healthy options around and creating opportunities for movement are great next steps.

amother

Raspberry

Mon, Feb 12 2024, 12:45 am

I think an endocrinologist is a the way to go.
But I’m surprised no one mentioned Ellyn Satter’s book “how to get your kid to eat (but not too much).

She focuses mostly on picky eating but she also focuses on too much eating.
And she’s very in Division of Responsibility.
You can look on Amazon.

She is considered an expert and it might pay to read it while you’re waiting for an appointment.