Question
If a child is found to have pediatric obesity, how should it be effectively managed? My daughter is 3 years old, and recently I’ve noticed that she has gained a lot of weight. She can eat several bowls of rice in one meal and is unwilling to exercise. What should I do?
Answer
For pediatric obesity, it is first important to arrange the child’s exercise and diet properly. Parents need to supervise the child in engaging in some aerobic exercises, such as jogging, swimming, etc., and provide high-fiber foods like spinach and carrots. Avoid giving the child high-calorie, high-fat foods such as hamburgers, fries, and cookies. Additionally, do not let the child rest immediately after eating or sit on the sofa to snack. If these methods do not improve the child’s obesity symptoms, seek medical attention promptly to rule out other potential causes to avoid the worsening of the condition.