Question
A six-year-old child in the family is overweight, although the parents have tried controlling their diet, the child often feels hungry and has a large appetite. There is no history of obesity in the family. How should childhood obesity be treated?
Answer
Firstly, confirm that the child’s weight indeed falls into the category of obesity. The methods to control weight mainly involve diet control and increased physical activity. It is recommended to reduce the intake of starch and fatty foods for the child, increase the consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits, and adopt a method of eating small portions more frequently. Encourage the child to drink more warm water, actively participate in outdoor activities to increase physical activity, and get appropriate sun exposure. At the same time, ensure regular sleep, with 8 to 9 hours of sufficient sleep each day.