Question
A boy, just 1 year old this year, has been found to be significantly heavier than other children his age. He also eats more than average children and likes to lie down after eating. How should obesity and picky eating in children be treated?
Answer
If a child is obese, parents should control their child’s diet and increase their physical activity. They can start by gradually increasing the intensity of exercise during physical activities, such as jogging, by adding half a lap at a time. Vegetables like carrots and spinach can also help change obesity. High-calorie foods like cookies, macadamia nuts, and small cakes should not be given to the child. Moreover, if the child likes to lie down after eating, parents must help correct this undesirable behavior. During the treatment period, parents should always monitor their child’s condition. For severe cases, treatment should be conducted under a doctor’s guidance and not treated blindly.
