Question
A 9-year-old boy is gradually gaining weight, has an excessive appetite, and dislikes exercise. How should we treat pediatric obesity with a lack of interest in physical activity?
Answer
If a child is diagnosed with pediatric obesity, the first step is to provide reasonable exercise and healthy dietary arrangements. Encourage the child to learn swimming, as the resistance of water is much greater than that of land-based exercises, which can promote fat consumption. In terms of diet, it’s advisable to increase the intake of foods like apples, kiwis, and carrots, while avoiding high-calorie foods such as peanuts and hamburgers. If the child lies down immediately after eating, parents need to help change this negative behavior. During treatment, parents should handle the child’s condition reasonably. If the situation is severe, it’s essential to go to the hospital to identify the cause and receive professional treatment.