Question
Dear team, my son is 5 years old, and over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed that he weighs significantly more than other children his age. He also eats more than most kids and doesn’t like to exercise. How should obesity and overweight in children be diagnosed and treated?
Answer
For pediatric obesity, you can start by setting a physical activity plan and changing the diet. You can encourage your child to learn swimming, as the resistance of water is much greater than that of air during land-based exercises, which helps burn fat more quickly. Also, include more vegetables in his diet, such as tomatoes and cucumbers. Prohibit him from eating fried foods and dried fruits, which are high in calories and fat. Additionally, don’t let him fall asleep immediately after eating or snack on the sofa. During treatment, parents should always monitor their child’s condition. For severe cases, treatment should be conducted under a doctor’s guidance and should not be done blindly.