loss of appetite

[mooby]

i have a daughter who is almost ten..she used to have a really good appetite but over the last 3 weeks it has dropped dramatically..she used to eat a good variety of foods but has become so picky and she could eat plenty..now she cuts it up really small and just nibbles at it..there hasnt been a weight loss that i can say ive noticed and she says she feels fine..she has had a cold for the last week but this started a few weeks before the cold came on..shes active enough and her moods are fine shes just the same apart fron this loss of appetite and she takes ages to eat it..she has always been a slow eater so thats nothing new but this is so slow half the time it goes cold then even i wouldnt want to eat it..any suggestions or do you think i should get her checked out..im a little concerned now

[mooby]

thank you ashley for your comments.i have been into school today and had a meeting with my daughter and her teacher..it turns out that she feels left out and has not many friends..we both discussed with her the reason to eat is important to be healthy and how ill you can become if this continues..she was given a circle of friends which is 3 other girls..she had breakfast today and ate all her packed lunch..i also checked that there is no way she can disspose of it and say she has eaten it ..her teacher was fantastic and the 4 girls are lunching with the teacher for the rest of the week.the doctor is going to phone me tommorow afternoon so i shall inform her of all this and see what she thinks..my daughter is aware i have contacted the GP  and im just hoping she says its a phase..its very worring when its your child it rips at your heart..i do also hope that you will be ok and you keep battling on my heart goes out to you and if you ever wish to talk to somebody who is not directly involved feel free to do so..i dont know much about ED's only what most people know but sometimes just to get it off your chest helps ..thanks again and best of luck to you and i shall let yourself and the other kind person that responded know how we are getting on with it ...many thanks ...gillian

[shlee1016]

I agree that the cutting of her food in small pieces is what really stood out to me with what you said. I don't yet have my degree or anything, but would be happy to try to help in any way possible. I'm trying to recover right now from both anorexia and bulimia and have struggled with both for nine years or so. I'm not jumping in and saying that your daughter has this, because she very well may not. There might be other things going on. I am familiar with this stage of what you are going through regardless of what her diagnosis is though and can do my best to help or talk in any way possible. I'm happy to talk to you if you want to message me or if you have any questions or anything at all. I'll keep reading as well. I wish you the best of luck and hope things get better and that things go well at the doctor.

Ashley

[mooby]

ive never had an ED but i am- 43 years old and still remember my friend at school age 15 getting anorexia and when i saw her at her worst its a sight that i wont forget in a hurry i can still see it now and i was 20 at the time she looked horrific but thank god that had a happy ending after many many many years of treatment..it was the cutting up the food into little bits that made me think and i got straight on here to look for symptoms..i spoke to her today and asked her way she cuts her food so small and she said she didnt know..i have asked her if any thing is bothering her or does she want to talk about any thing that might be upsetting her ..i have sat her down tonight and told her its important to eat for being healthy and told her she knows she can tell me anything..i do have quite an open realatoinship with both my kids and they do tend to tell me most things so im lucky that way..but it was the cutting of the food that rang bells to me yet give her a chocolate pudding and its gone in seconds..im going to speak to my GP 2moz and if she asks me to take her i shall straight away

[LeftCoastChick]

The clue to me is that she is cutting her food into small bits. A telling  sign. Do not get moved by her being upset with you okay? You need to be firm , even with the tears and the tantrums. You have to show consistency.  It could just be a phase, but it's better not to take the chance right? Definitely see your GP.  I have an ED in remission that started at around 11, and boy I was good at manipulating my mom. I'm bulemic, and I would eat hoards of food at the table, then get sick, then at times withhold food.  So I come from experience, not that I know everything but I do know in hindsight some of the signs.  The GP will rule out things that may cause a lack of appetite, I can't guess at what it may be. Better to be on the safe side.   Have you had a serious talk with her regarding her eating? Other then, you have to eat?  

[mooby]

i do make her eat..i have also told her that if she does not eat she will become ill and may need to to go to the hospital ..she became upset at the thought of hospital so i didnt push it but i have told her if things dont inprove this week i shall take her to the GP...i feel a little confused as some sites ive looked at for advice say dont panic to much they go through stages..shes still eating but not half as much..but better to be safe than sorry and a bit of advice from the GP wont go a miss..thank you

[LeftCoastChick]

I think it would be a very good idea to see your GP, anytime a 10yr isn't eating well, it's important  In case it isn't a physical issue, it needs to be addressed quickly with a psychiatrist. . ED's can come on very young, unfortunately disordered eating can come from stress, peer pressure, even watching some shows on TV. At 10, she is growing and required nutrients for bone and organ growth, this should never be taken lightly.  See your GP asap. I know this may sound harsh, but you may need to force her to eat, provide strong structure at the table.
One mum I know, won't let her daughter leave the table until she eats a certain amount, whether she likes it or not. She's at the point now, where she gives her daughter options. For example, she must eat at least 6 baby carrots, apple slices, and a sandwhich like a grilled cheese one. If she sits there for 2 hours, she sits there.  You have to set firm guidelines with underweight children as you do with overweight.  Don't let her anger sway you in any way.

I hope this helps.