How to manage childhood obesity?

Question

Hello doctor,

My child is 13 years old. He is very obese and is not very active. As a parent, I am deeply worried about his health. In connection with this situation, I have some questions. I would be grateful for your professional opinion.

How do I make him lean?
How can he improve and increase his physical activity to overcome obesity?
Is it possible to make him look good in front of others?
How can I motivate him?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

You are a caring parent. Addressing your child's health concerns is important, and it is great that you are taking steps to help. There are non-pharmacological management options for obesity. You should try to follow the guidelines below to help your child:

Encouraging healthy habits like regular physical activity and balanced nutrition can make a big difference. Start by involving your child in activities they enjoy, whether it is sports, dancing, or hiking.
Focus on positive reinforcement and setting achievable goals rather than appearance.
Emphasize feeling good and being healthy over appearance.
Make small, gradual changes to your diet and lifestyle, and lead by example by adopting healthy habits yourself.
Seek support from healthcare professionals, such as a pediatrician or nutritionist, for personalized advice and guidance.

Remember, the goal is overall health and well-being, not just appearance.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.