Question
My daughter is 9 years old, and recently, I’ve noticed that she has gained a lot of weight, and she has an enormous appetite. She doesn’t like to exercise either. How should we diagnose and treat child obesity?
Answer
For children with obvious symptoms of obesity, parents should encourage them to engage in more physical activities and avoid picky eating. They can start by teaching their 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. During this time, children should eat vegetables that are beneficial for improving obesity, such as winter melon and green beans. High-calorie snacks like macadamia nuts and cookies should be avoided, and children should not be allowed to eat snacks or lie on the sofa immediately after eating. If the child’s condition is severe during the treatment of pediatric obesity, parents should go to the hospital promptly and seek treatment under the guidance of a doctor.