DS13 is underweight and won’t eat

[MHsupport]

He has been getting skinnier and skinnier over the last couple of years (not necessarily losing weight but weight not keeping up with his height). I’ve checked his bmi and he’s on 2nd centile with recommendation to see doctor, which I may do if things do not improve in the next few weeks (Christmas extras around etc).

What he eats is healthy and normal, but the amount is not. How do I get him to eat more?!

He turns down things like puddings or seconds and nothing seems to tempt him - chocolate puds, cake, custard, even fruit or just pizza etc.

Should I be concerned that this is an ED or just a stubborn child with a small appetite?

He’s healthy and active in other ways (though prone to the usual teenage grumps).

I don't know if it's available in your area but due to my son's diet/weight he was referred to a dietician but I just have telephone appointments with her and she gives me tips and has prescribed some vitamins but I haven't had to make my son think about his weight/worry etc..

My son seemed to be losing when he was having growth spurt after growth spurt but he has evened out now. He's always going to be tall and slim but not as extreme as even 6 months/a year ago.

Things that have helped have been offering a milky drink early evening- helps with bedtime and getting some extra calories in him.

My Ds loves pancakes so we are also discussing whether or not to get some protein powder to add to homemade pancakes.

Thank you for the reply, I presume you got the referral through the GP? Did you say you suspected an ED or just that you were concerned about his weight?

Does your DS know about the dietician/is he on board with it all?

We already do the milky drink thing, but he won’t always accept it....I’m finding hard to know how forceful about things, I don’t want to make it into a big deal.

Ds knows about the dietitian and we did give him the option of going to chat but he didn't want to and we decided a low pressure option was best- he also has ASD so communication isn't great and his food issues can be around smell/texture as well.

We were referred simply because of concerns about getting enough calories and getting the right mix of food for the right mix of vitamins and minerals. No mention of ED at the time but has come up since, the main thing being, it could become that so be as relaxed as you can about food- which is really tricky when your child doesn't eat for hours on end and even then only plays with the food!

One other thing we have started doing is letting him go to the shops on his own to pick up some shopping for us and letting him spend the change on a snack- seems to like having the job of helping us out, seems more relaxed.