Parenting: Dealing with a Teenager’s Obsession with Diet and Exercise

A concerned parent reached out to the Parenting segment on Moncrieff this week, worried about their teenage son’s extreme focus on exercise and dieting. The parent shared that their 16-year-old son has become fixated on health and fitness, going to the gym five to six times a week and obsessively counting calories.

Child psychotherapist Joanna Fortune weighed in on the situation, noting that teenagers often struggle with body image issues due to unrealistic standards portrayed in the media. She advised the parents to investigate how their son’s friends approach diets and recommended taking him to a GP for blood tests to rule out any underlying health issues.

Fortune also suggested setting the son up with a personal trainer who can help him develop a healthy diet and exercise routine. She emphasized the importance of approaching the conversation with care and concern, rather than trying to control or correct his behavior.

The parent’s worries reflect a growing trend of teenagers becoming overly focused on their physical appearance and engaging in potentially harmful behaviors. It serves as a reminder for parents to stay vigilant and seek professional help if they notice concerning changes in their child’s behavior.