A
male
age
51-59,
anonymous
writes:My 14-year-old son has recently started becoming obsessed with McDonald's and Burger King.He just won't eat anywhere else, let alone do anything else, and it's putting a huge strain on our wallets, not to mention his waistline.His older brother, who's 21, says that it's OK to eat McDonald's now and then, but not every day. He's in university in Leeds and lives away from home, and doing very well with his uni work.I stopped giving my son pocket money since he was spending it all at McD's and Burger King after school (we have several locally), but now he's got friends buying him food from there on his behalf.I'm trying to get him to understand fast food is bad for him if eaten to excess, and everything in moderation, but he just won't listen. When I was his age, I did listen to my parents so maybe some people won't get where I'm coming from.This seems more than the usual teenage rebellion; our son's even began looking for McDonald's uniforms on the Internet!He's even started to demand that on our family holiday which is coming up in spring that we take him to every single McD's and Burger King.Our son used to be good at football and basketball but has given it up in favour of eating.He won't do anything but eat - which causes me stress.However, he's still helpful around the house and very polite to people, and doing well at school, so I shouldn't be too worried.What can I do about my son?? I thought counselling as a solution, but then thought, it wouldn't be appropriate; so what's the best thing to do?Me and my wife are at our wits end - where to go next?please help, Jon
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reader, anonymous, writes (12 March 2009): Buy the DVD "Supersize Me" (you may be able to find it on Amazon). Its about a guy who decided to eat nothing but McDonald's for a month and documents how he gained weight and all that happened to him.
I've never been to big into fast food, but after watching that, I damn sure decided not to start.
A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (12 March 2009): Is this a 2005 posting reworded, and attempting to hoax us?
Sorry, but I can't seem to see it as genuine.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (12 March 2009): Okay, firstly there has to be a reason why he is suddenly starting to do this. Have you tried to talk to him about things in general? About school, and about girls or any friends? One of these may be the problem finding that he may have been bullied and finds food makes him feel happy or something.
If that's all he will eat, why not get him to invite some frinds round to the house for tea? Maybe if he has his friends there and you make a nice [healthy] little buffet or part platter for them, he will enjoy eating something different. You can't let your child carry on as he is as it will have an enormous strain on his health. Theyare both okay in moderation so why not try a 'star chart' daily. For example if he eats 3 pieces of fruit a day, and has a glass of water or something, and does 20 mins of exercise, then he can have a fast food meal at the end of the week or month? Another thing you can try is getting him tomake his 'own McDonalds' at home? Providing him with wholemeal buns, homemade burgers and reduced fat mayo with salad? I'm doing a childcare course at college, and have found that if children tend to make their own meals, they enjoy eating them more.
I think the couselling is a good idea as they are trained professionals who can find out exactly what is going on with him, and will be able to offer help. I think at this point you will be willing to do anything to help your son.
I hope you find any of the above advice useful. Good Luck and let us know how it goes =] xxx
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (12 March 2009): Gosh this sounds like a familiar hoax question we had a few years back. The postings always come from the UK and is an anonoymous person, aged 40-50. But just on the off chance this isn't a hoax posting...I will say to you, Jon. Stop giving your kid the cash to go to these places, firstly. Be a Strong Dad, love him but put your foot down and take control here. The kid is overeating and is at serious risk of slowly killing himself. Your job is to guide him to be healthy and safe. This kid clearly has a problem. Get him to a doctor for a complete exam and make sure his heart and other body organs are not in danger. Then you tell him...no more JUNK food, you start getting him to eat at home, where he is to eat good, solid, nutritional food you provide. Good luck
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A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (12 March 2009): My son is very happy, he told me, he said he's got no problems at all. He still does eat what we make for him, but wants McD's and Burger King constantly.
It seems to be more than just comfort eating, he's even started looking for McDonald's uniforms on ebay.
I did try asking him, and he said it felt like eating the best food in the world.
Jon
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reader, sexylinz +, writes (12 March 2009):
 stop giving him pocket money, arrange for him to be picked up from school and tell him that he can not carry on n u will not keep paying for this habit. if that means him going out food then so be it. when he gets hungry enough he'll eat what you want him to eat you just have to be strong
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reader, anonymous, writes (12 March 2009): Please stop this anyway you can. I am overweight (not from McDonald's...yuck) and it is beginning to affect me. Poor CV fitness mainly.
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