My sixteen year old has a weight problem…could I get him to do Time Related Eating.  Miranda.

I’m so glad you asked Miranda as this gives me a chance to clarify something really important.  Message to everyone…never put children on a restricted eating plan and never make them feel bad about their body size or composition.  This is not safe and will only make them feel bad and could trigger an eating disorder.    I can categorically say that the only way forward is to help your teenager feel good about themselves as they are and to help them by re-organising the food environment in your home which entirely lies with you.      Studies have shown that the best results come when parents learn to re-organise the eating habits and food environment within the family.  So you could talk to them about your own idea to cut down on sugary drinks and snacks in the home for everyone and you could up the level of Right Food for your child i.e. grains, proteins and great carbs like rice and pasta and beans rather than sugary puddings or ultra processed food that only makes them want to eat more.    If your child raises the issue of their weight then you can talk about supporting them with the right food but otherwise it must be a matter of re-organising the context of food in your home and talking with them about your decision to do this for yourself as well as everyone in the family.  If there are two parents in the home then it would be helpful if you are both on board with this and of a similar mind set.    Next year I will be developing a training to help parents and carers help their children through shifting the food environment.  If your young person is on board with not snacking at night then that would be amazing but I would not force this issue.    Miranda so glad you have raised this issue as you obviously feel concerned for your child and  it helps me to talk to everyone…we don’t want fat shaming or body shaming for children and young people as it will never help and will be psychologically distressing.  We need to support our young people to eat the right food to help them feel good both mentally emotionally and most of all to love and respect their body – now this is a conversation you can have….you can shame UHP food if you like but never the child. 

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