Aoife Hearne: My teen won’t eat unless I put food in front of him

The teenage years are a time of exponential growth, and more often than not, they are accompanied by a strong appetite. While appetite fluctuations are normal, especially as exercise levels reduce, a sudden and abrupt drop off in appetite is unusual and warrants further investigation.

While appetite fluctuations are normal, especially as exercise levels reduce, a sudden and abrupt drop off in appetite is unusual and warrants further investigation.

My 14-year-old son has lost his appetite, saying he’s not hungry. Unless I put food in front of him, he won’t eat. I keep the house well stocked with healthy snacks — nuts, hummus, and fruit — but nothing seems to make a difference. In desperation, I bought some chocolate-flavoured cereal, which he eats with milk. He used to be interested in sports in primary school, but has dropped out of club games in the past year. I’m not sure what to do.

Eating according to your own internal hunger and fullness signals is something I believe is very important to teach our children, and a healthy habit to adopt. However, as with everything in life, there is always an exception to every rule.