Question
A boy, just 7 years old, recently, I noticed that my child has a lot of fat on his body, and he can eat several bowls of rice in one meal. When I ask him to exercise, he doesn’t want to. How should I treat child obesity and overweight?
Answer
If a child is overweight, parents need to control their child’s diet and increase their physical activity. Parents can let their children engage in exercises beneficial for managing obesity, such as jogging or swimming. They should encourage their children to eat more fruits like apples, kiwis, and carrots. Children should not consume high-calorie foods like cakes and macadamia nuts. Also, parents should not allow their children to fall asleep immediately after eating or lie on the sofa while snacking. During the treatment of obesity, parents should conduct reasonable treatment based on their child’s condition. If the condition is severe, it is essential to go to the hospital to determine the cause and receive targeted treatment.