How can my brother put on weight?!


Question: My brother is 18, 6'3'' and weighs 135 soaking wet. The boy doesn't want to eat. He says he isn't hungry... we don't think he is anorexic, he doesn't seem to display any of the psychological signs. But who knows.

ASIDE FROM PROFESSIONAL HELP what do you think could be wrong with him, and what can we do to help him?

My theory is that he feels that he has so little control over the rest of his life (our parents are very strict) so he expresses his need for control by restricting his eating. I rebelled as well, but expressed myself outwardly by partying and drinking and whatnot.

We've tried to find things that he likes, and makes sure they are always available to him. On the rare chance that we serve something that he likes to eat, he will actually eat it... but we constantly offer to cook him things he likes, but he gets annoyed with us.


Answers: My brother is 18, 6'3'' and weighs 135 soaking wet. The boy doesn't want to eat. He says he isn't hungry... we don't think he is anorexic, he doesn't seem to display any of the psychological signs. But who knows.

ASIDE FROM PROFESSIONAL HELP what do you think could be wrong with him, and what can we do to help him?

My theory is that he feels that he has so little control over the rest of his life (our parents are very strict) so he expresses his need for control by restricting his eating. I rebelled as well, but expressed myself outwardly by partying and drinking and whatnot.

We've tried to find things that he likes, and makes sure they are always available to him. On the rare chance that we serve something that he likes to eat, he will actually eat it... but we constantly offer to cook him things he likes, but he gets annoyed with us.

You have a very good theory about why he might be doing this. Many people become anorexic because they feel like they lack control over their lives. That is the main reason why I was anorexic at your brother's age.

Try to get him involved in something. A hobby, a job, sport, anything. When I was first recovering I used to make lists about everything. Lists of goals, what I ate, clothes I wanted to buy to compete my wardrobe, places I wanted to visit, etc. It helped with my need for control, I had notebooks full of all kinds of crazy lists and schedules.

In the meantime, try to be supportive and protein bars are good if you can get him to eat them. My family used to get me to drink slim fast. It comes in plenty of flavors and it tastes better than ensure and at least he'll be getting some nurtrition. Good luck.

eat and exercise

hard, physical work will give him an appetite

You seem to be fine, i dunno why your bro is so emo. Tell him to get over himself and stop being a little betch.

Ur theory is probably right, and I'm sorry to hear about your brother. What you could do is get him to eat more protein. Protein builds muscle mass. Using muscle burns cals. He'll eventually get more hungry. If you think he'll refuse ur diet ideas because he wants to control his health himself, offer him protein shakes, or protein bars. Can't say those aren't healthy.





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