Question
My child is a 9-year-old boy, and this year, I’ve noticed that he’s been getting fatter and has a very large appetite. He usually doesn’t like to play after eating. How should pediatric obesity be treated?
Answer
Once a child develops obesity, parents should first change the child’s condition through exercise and diet. 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. In terms of diet, the child should eat more vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and spinach, and avoid high-calorie foods such as cakes and macadamia nuts. In daily life, children should not be allowed to eat snacks in bed or lie down immediately after eating, as these bad habits can also lead to fat accumulation. During the treatment of obesity, parents should carry out reasonable treatment based on the child’s condition. If the condition is severe, it is imperative to consult a doctor to determine the cause and receive targeted treatment.