A
female
age
,
anonymous
writes:Recently I found out off a good friend that our 16-year-old son has become addicted to dieting - or rather, a particular type of diet.He's become very interested in the "bikini beach diet" that a well-known tabloid did (look up "bikini beach diet" on Google, you'll see hundreds of entries for this diet plan), and has been following it to the letter. He claims it'll make him look good on the beach but I'm sceptical. I thought going to the gym would be the best solution, and I told him that, but he said that's just not a good idea - a "bikini beach diet" solves everything, he claimed.He does eat with us, but only the amounts stated in the diet plan.I've tried discussing it with him, but he said I was being silly - I'm just worried he's messing with something he doesn't understand, and that his health will be damaged. He said don't talk about it again, and that it wasn't any of my business.How should I deal with it?? My husband has taken no interest in it, claiming "it's not a big issue!". He said let the boy be himself, but shouldn't I take action about this??How can I deal with this problem?? It's worrying me a lot. Reply to this Question
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female
reader, 88jane +, writes (23 July 2007):
 this is a difficult one! normally in this situation i would suggest talking to him but youve already done that-infact i think you have done everything that could help! the only thing i can suggest is to keep trying to talk to him--he said its none of your business but he is your son and therefore it is your business because you are worried about him. I hate these magazines and adverts which tell you that you need to go on a special diet to look good on the beach--im thinking of a recent advert i saw on the telly where everyone on the beach turns to look at people when they take their towel down and then it says that you need to try this diet to get the best beach body! this is appalling stuff!! and it really does affect people! you need to reassure your son that he is fine the way he is and that if he wants to be fitter then the way to do it is by healthy eating and regular excerise. girls dont like skinny boys and if he wants to look good then healthy eating and going to the gym will be fine!!Just reassure him regularly that he is fine! try not to lecture him becuase you know what teenagers are like, they will not listen and do the opposite (belive me, im one myself-im 18!!)Im not really sure what else to suggest--i would also be interested to hear what other agony aunts suggest--sorry i cant be more help!xxx
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