On this week’s Parenting segment, one parent is concerned that their teenage son is taking exercise and his new diet too far. 

“My son has recently become more interested in health and fitness like many of his friends,” they told Moncrieff. 

“He would have previously considered himself overweight, but in our eyes, he was built like an average teenager who was yet to fully grow into himself. 

“He’s 16 and is now old enough to join the gym and has been adamant about going five to six times per week.” 

The son is also obsessed with dieting as well as exercise. 

“He’s obsessed with calorie counting and won’t listen when we try to advise him on the nutritional benefits of calorie dense foods - he just won’t eat them. 

“I understand that the majority of people encounter insecurities about their body and appearance, but we’re worried that this will become a more serious and long-term issue.” 

Child psychotherapist Joanna Fortune said teenagers often become insecure about their bodies due to unrealistic standards. 

“Their body type doesn't measure up to what they see as representative in TV shows,” she said. 

“You and I might realise the so-called teenager in the TV show was actually being played by a 30-year-old actor – but if you're a teenager, you're seeing a version of yourself that you don't recognise.” 

She recommended the parents also find out more about how their son’s larger group of friends is approaching diets. 

“Is there something in their group? Are they comparing to each other?,” she asked. 

Unhealthy diets

In particular, Joanna urged them to take their son to a GP due to the rapid weight loss and diet.

“Get some blood tests done just to rule out that there isn't something else triggering significant weight loss,” she said. 

“It could be the opening of conversation as well that you say, ‘Look, I've observed that you've lost a lot of weight, just to reassure me that there's nothing going on and that you're healthy and well and taking care of yourself, let's get some bloods done’. 

“You could certainly talk to him about your fears, your concern. 

“But I don't want it to sound like you're trying to stop him or correct him, but more that you're trying to help him.” 

Joanna also recommended setting the son up with a personal trainer, who is aware of the issue and can create a healthy diet and exercise.

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