Question
An 11-year-old girl has been diagnosed with obesity, with doctors noting that this poses a serious threat to her health. Parents are worried that if measures are not taken promptly, weight loss will become more difficult in the future. In this situation, how should one begin to help the girl lose weight?
Answer
The treatment for childhood obesity should combine dietary adjustments with moderate exercise. The weight loss process should be progressive, avoiding excessive anxiety. Here are two main suggestions:
- Restrictive Diet: Dietary control not only aims for weight loss but also ensures the normal growth and development of the child. General principles for calorie intake are as follows: children under 5 years old should consume 2.51-3.35MJ (600-800 calories) per day, children aged 5-14 years should consume 3.35-4.18MJ (800-1000 calories) per day.