Patient's question:
My little girl is 9 years old. Recently, I've noticed that she has a lot of flesh on her body and a very large appetite. She doesn't want to exercise when I ask her to. Please advise: How should I treat my child's obesity if she's overeating?Doctor's answer:
For children with obvious symptoms of obesity, parents should encourage them to engage in more exercise and avoid picky eating. They can start by teaching the child to swim, as the resistance of water during swimming is much greater than the resistance of air during land-based exercises, leading to faster fat consumption. During this period, the child should be given vegetables that are beneficial for improving obesity, such as winter melon and pea puree. Avoid giving the child high-calorie snacks like macadamia nuts or cookies. Also, do not let the child sleep or loung on the couch immediately after eating snacks. If the child's condition worsens during the treatment for childhood obesity, parents should take them to the hospital promptly and seek medical guidance for treatment under a doctor's supervision.