Question
My daughter is 9 years old, and this year, I’ve noticed that she seems to be getting fatter. Moreover, she can eat several bowls of rice at a meal and is particularly lazy. How should I treat my child’s obesity and overweight?
Answer
If a child shows obvious symptoms of obesity, parents should encourage them to engage in more physical activities and avoid picky eating. 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. Additionally, encourage the child to eat more vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers. Avoid giving the child fried chicken and cakes, which are high in fat. Also, do not let the child go to sleep immediately after eating or lie on the sofa while snacking. During the treatment for obesity, parents should provide reasonable treatment based on the child’s condition. If the condition is severe, it is crucial to go to the hospital to determine the cause and receive targeted treatment.