Question
A boy, just 1 year old, recently, I have noticed that my child is much heavier than other children, and he also seems to eat without control. Normally, he doesn’t like to play and go out. How should one treat a child who is overweight and not interested in exercise?
Answer
Once a child is diagnosed with obesity, parents should first change the child’s condition through exercise and diet. They can start by teaching the child to swim, as the resistance of water during swimming is much greater than that of air during land-based exercises, leading to faster fat consumption. Parents should encourage the child to eat more fruits like apples, kiwis, and carrots, and avoid high-calorie and high-fat foods such as hamburgers, French fries, and cookies. It is crucial to break the child’s habit of not liking to exercise; otherwise, it may lead to fat accumulation. Parents are advised to take their child to the hospital for a thorough check-up if they notice that the child’s condition is severe during treatment.