Patient's question:
My boy, who is 3 years old this year, has recently been found to be getting fatter. At the same time, he can eat several bowls of food in one meal and likes to lie down after finishing his meal. May I ask: How should childhood obesity and overweight be treated?Doctor's answer:
If a child is overweight, they can first increase their physical activity and control their diet to alleviate the symptoms. They can start learning to swim, as the resistance of water is much greater than the resistance of air during land-based exercises, which leads to faster fat burning. Additionally, they should eat more vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, etc. It’s crucial not to let them consume high-calorie foods, like cakes, potato chips, or cola. Parents should address the child’s reluctance to exercise and picky eating habits in their daily life. During the treatment of childhood obesity, if the child’s obesity symptoms are severe, it’s essential to seek medical treatment promptly and not blindly trust certain medications.