Question
My daughter is 5 years old and I’ve recently noticed that she’s getting heavier and has a larger appetite than most children. She also likes to lie down after eating. How should I treat obesity in a child who loves to eat meat?
Answer
If a child exhibits symptoms of obesity, parents should improve the situation through exercise and dietary adjustments. It is recommended to first teach the child to swim, as the resistance of water during swimming is greater than that of air resistance during land-based exercise, which can help accelerate fat burning. At the same time, encourage the child to consume high-fiber foods such as spinach and carrots, and avoid consuming fried foods and dried fruits, as these foods are high in calories and fat content. Additionally, help the child correct habits such as not being active or overeating. If the child’s obesity is severe, it is advisable to take the child to the hospital for a check-up to confirm the cause of obesity before targeted treatment is initiated.