How do you handle a 13 year old boy who sneaks around and binge-eats?

Question

I have only healthy foods in the house. He is also bipolar so he sees a counselor twice a month and his psychiatrist once a month. What else can I do? Lock up all food?

I don't put him in a situation to have to sneak around. We've told him if he's hungry to get an apple, a glass of water, a banana, etc. He will get up in the middle of the night and eat a can of ravioli, a peanut butter sandwich, AND a bag of (light) popcorn. His doctor says he isn't overweight -- yet -- although he is larger than 98% of other boys his age.

Answer 1

If he is not overweight, maybe he's growing and needs more calories than he is taking in. I'd talk to a nutritionist to find out how many calories he needs a day. Then as others have said keep fresh fruit and vegtables that he likes around. If you'll cut them up, peel and slice the way he likes it he'll eat more of the good stuff, which won't hurt him.

Answer 2

Tell him not to be ashamed, to eat what he wants, when he wants. BUT he must not go over a certain amount of calories per day (eg 1500, you'll need to figure out what is normal for someone his age etc)

This should make him realise he can have what he wants but he needs to space it out a bit, and not go overboard.

Try and also make sure he has at least one decent meal, with veg in it. If he's doing that he will be okay for now and it should settle down. If not, see a doc of course. He could be having emotional problems which he's trying to supress, or treat with eating. Either that or he's just got into a bad habit/ being greedy.

Has he got hobbies? Try to get him more active and interested in things

edit: from your added info, have you considered night eating sydrome? With this the person sometimes isn't even aware that they've eaten. They eat mostly late at night and "sleep eat" , that is get up, sleepwalk all the way to the kitchen and chow down. Then go right back to their bed. Mention it to his counsellor, there's a good chance his eating habits are related to his problems and they can work on that. Best of luck

Answer 3

No. By figuring out what's really eating him.
Sit him down, pay attention to what's going on in his life.
Listen when he talks to friends and thinks you aren't listening.
Food + Love to some kids. Where is his dad??
tell your son how awesome he is, and how you can't imagine life without him.
Point out his great qualities.
Say "Good Morning" every day, and kiss his head goodnight.
Let him know that you feel his pain, and you are always there or him.
Just when you think you can't love anymore than you do, love more.
My son has this problem. I have him playing Frisbee with me and my daughter at night.
He is also in gymnastics once a week. He is now the age where he is becoming more concerned about his appearance. (I never thought it would happen!)
How does he feel about his weight?
Let him express without interrupting.
It can not hurt to let him know you care.

Answer 4

Wow! It seems like the eating is not the issue. SOmething is bothering him and maybe you should talk to him or if you can get him inot counseling. Just tell him you want him to talk to someone who can help him enjoy life better. I would just keep all healthy food in the house so when he does binge it will be good for him
good luck

Answer 5

only buying healthy foods is a good idea but also u cant keep all the kids from a sweet now and then or yourself i know a woman who had to put a lock on her fridge n frezzer in on the cabnets to keep her kids from getting up at night in eating all the food so sorry to say that but if it comes down to it and your sons health thats a good way to keep him out of stuff he dont need to be in good luck hope every thing works out for the best

Answer 6

Wow, that seems like a problem child.

I guess he is overweight also.

Get him out walking with you.
Get a door on the Kitchen and put a lock on it and on the Fridge.

Keep fruits in the living room, feed him 5 small meals thru out the day.

Keep him on the meds.... goood luck
.

Answer 7

Why would you put him in a situation where he has to sneak around? I believe anytime you limit food they will focus on it. I suggest getting rid of all high cal processed food. No snacks, treats, hot dogs, processed meat like ham, and chips. Fill the fridge with apples, oranges, healthy low cal treats and let him eat his fill. Take him to a Dr. and make sure his weight isn't the product of a medical condition. If not, work with him in kindness. Fix healthy nutricious meals for him. If he doesn't like them, eventually he will, he'll get tired of being hungry and he'll start eating the healthy food. Usually kids with eating problems get them from HOME.

Answer 8

Locks on the refrig and pantry to start and then get him into a counselor to find out the reasons behind the behavior.

Answer 9

Only store healthy food at home. So when he binges,he's not balooning up. Get him inot extra activities,chances are high he's over eating out of boredom and stress.

Answer 10

BINGE EATING CAN COME FROM SEVERAL ISSUES. MINE WAS MY PARENTS TRYING TO USE NEGATIVE LOVE TO GET ME TO LOSE WEIGHT. THEY WOULD MAKE FUN OF ME IN FRONT OF OTHERS AND CALL ME NAMES. SO I WOULD SNEAK TO EAT TO COVER MY PAIN. I ALSO BEGAN TO CUT. IT IS SOMETHING WE CAN CONTROL. YOU NEED TO GET TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM NOT TREAT JUST A SYMPTOM.

ANOTHER REASON:

DIABETES

SEVERAL LINKS I HOPE HELPS.....HAVE AQ PHYSICAL AS WELL TO RULE OUT A GENETIC SYNDROME THAT CAUSE BINGE EATING. FORGOT THE NAME OF IT.