[Ciao]

My cousin and I are best friends. We're really close. But he can bug me sometimes because he's always complaining about being "big" (which he's not, he just eats really unhealthy). And now it's getting to the point where he's telling his dad that if his dad doesn't take him to the gym, he'll become bulimic again. He suffered from it in the past to lose weight.

What should I do? He doesn't want to work out with me, he isn't committed to dieting, and he still continues to whine about not liking his body image.

I care about him and I don't want him to do that. He's 15 years old and he's going to really mess himself up. What CAN I do? His dad's aware of the threat he made so it's not a secret. Should I let him just figure himself out first? Can anyone give me any word of the wise?

Any help/advice is appreciated. Thank you.

[nitenurse]

sounds like a just a threat to get his way, a 15 year old trying to manipulate adults in giving him what he wants

[ThicknPretty]

First of all, it's cool that you guys are so close and that you are so concerned for him.

Without wanting to sound harsh, it sounds like he's looking for a little pity and an easy way out. Any reasonable person who really dislikes their body THAT much and wants to change...will eventually change. And he has to know that the way to correct these body issues is to modify his diet and work out.

Sounds like you might want to just lead by example. Show him that it's doable and that being healthy is preferable and attainable. He will have to come to the decision to make the necessary changes on his own.

[Ciao]

Thanks, girls. I do feel he's being rather childish about all this.
That's why I'm getting so frustrated. But he's done it before
that I at least want to be cautious.