Patient's question:
Boy, 9 years old, who has started primary school. Recently, it has been noticed that the child is becoming increasingly chubby and eating more food than other children. He likes to lie down after meals. Please ask: How should childhood obesity be treated?Doctor's answer:
If a child suffers from obesity, parents should address the situation through exercise and dietary changes. They can start by teaching the child to swim, as water resistance during swimming is much greater than air resistance during land-based exercises, leading to faster fat consumption. Additionally, parents should encourage the child to eat more high-fiber foods, such as spinach and carrots, while avoiding high-calorie foods like cookies, macadamia nuts, and small cakes. Strict dietary control is essential to prevent overeating. Regular exercise is beneficial for improving the child's obesity. It is advised that parents, if the child's condition worsens during treatment, seek medical attention immediately to diagnose and address the issue properly.