Question
My son has been particularly overweight since he was little, and he’s now almost 80 pounds. He eats a lot, loves fatty foods, and especially enjoys high-calorie snacks. He doesn’t like to be active. Why is childhood obesity a concern?
Answer
Childhood obesity can be caused by an unhealthy dietary structure, lack of physical activity, and other factors. Many children today live in high-rise buildings, lack opportunities for social interaction, and rarely participate in group activities, leading to insufficient physical activity. Overconsumption of high-calorie, high-fat foods is also one of the reasons for obesity. Moreover, a lack of exercise can affect metabolism, exacerbating the obesity problem. Therefore, promoting physical activity in children and controlling dietary structure reasonably are crucial for preventing and treating childhood obesity.