Question
A 13-year-old boy, weighing 120 jin, has a strong appetite since childhood. Over the past two years, his weight has increased despite his attempts at exercise and dietary control, which have been ineffective and difficult to sustain. The parents are considering using medication to help their child lose weight to avoid obesity-related diseases.
Answer
During the period of childhood growth, the body’s various functions are not yet mature. Weight loss medications often come with side effects that could cause greater harm to children, so they should never be administered to children casually. Adolescent weight loss should focus on balanced nutrition and calorie control, avoiding high-fat, high-sugar, and high-calorie foods, with a diet mainly consisting of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, coarse grains, lean meat, eggs, milk, etc. Abstain from snacks, have regular meals, and avoid overeating. Encourage the child to participate in outdoor activities such as swimming and skipping rope. The key to successful weight loss lies in perseverance.