Question
A 12-year-old boy, in elementary school, has been gaining weight over the past year. He also seems to eat more and more, preferring to lie down after meals. How should we diagnose and treat child obesity and picky eating?
Answer
Once a child is diagnosed with obesity, parents should first address the situation through exercise and diet. Encourage the child to learn swimming, as the resistance of water is much greater than that of air during land-based exercises, which promotes faster fat consumption. At the same time, have the child consume vegetables that help improve obesity, such as winter melon and green beans, and prohibit high-calorie, high-fat foods like cakes, dried fruits, and cookies. Additionally, parents should discipline the child’s lifestyle habits, changing behaviors such as reluctance to exercise and picky eating. If the child’s condition is severe during treatment, it is imperative to take the child to a regular hospital for treatment.