How to Treat a 6-Year-Old Boy Who is Overweight and Lacks Exercise

Question

A 6-year-old boy is overweight and doesn’t like to exercise. How should he be treated?

Answer

For children who are obviously suffering from symptoms of childhood obesity, parents should encourage them to engage in more physical activities and avoid picky eating. It’s advisable to schedule activities like swimming or jogging within their tolerance levels, and to incorporate healthy foods such as carrots and spinach into their diet. High-calorie, high-fat foods like cakes, dried fruits, and biscuits should be prohibited. Additionally, children should not be allowed to lie down immediately after eating. If the obesity symptoms are severe, it is essential to seek medical treatment promptly at a hospital and not to blindly trust certain medications.