HomeAnswersPediatricschildhood obesityMy 12-year-old son is obese and he is not indulging in any physical activity. Kindly advise.

How to overcome childhood obesity?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At January 12, 2024
Reviewed AtJanuary 12, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My son is 12 years old. He looks obese and he is not even indulging in any physical activity. He always plays video games and sits on the sofa for a long time. I think that he is suffering from childhood obesity. As a mother, how to manage this childhood obesity? How to bring better interest in my kid to do physical activities to reduce his weight? How to make lifestyle changes and dietary changes to overcome childhood obesity? Kindly advise.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Managing childhood obesity requires a combination of lifestyle changes. Here are some steps you can consider:

  1. Open communication: Talk to your son about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the risks of obesity. Explain your concerns and listen to his thoughts and feelings.
  2. Set a good example: Lead by example by maintaining a healthy lifestyle yourself. Children are more likely to follow healthy habits when they see their parents doing the same.
  3. Encourage physical activity: Find activities that your son enjoys, whether it is sports, dancing, or hiking. Encourage him to spend some time outdoors and limit screen time.
  4. Limit screen time: Set specific rules for screen time, such as no more than 1 to 2 hours of recreational screen time per day. Encourage other activities instead.
  5. Healthy eating: Promote balanced meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit sugary drinks, snacks, and fast food.
  6. Portion control: Pay attention to portion sizes, and avoid serving oversized meals. Encourage your son to eat slowly and recognize when he's full.
  7. Regular meals: Establish regular meal times to prevent excessive snacking. Avoid skipping meals, especially breakfast.
  8. Get support: Consult a pediatrician or a registered dietitian who specializes in childhood obesity. They can provide tailored guidance and support for your son's specific needs.
  9. Make it fun: Make physical activity enjoyable by joining in or finding activities that he is passionate about, like team sports or dance classes.
  10. Celebrate successes: Celebrate small achievements along the way to keep your son motivated and positive about his progress.

Remember that it is important to approach this issue with sensitivity and support. Your son's well-being should be the primary focus, and gradual, sustainable changes are more likely to lead to success in the long term.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Veerabhadrudu Kuncham
Dr. Veerabhadrudu Kuncham

Pediatrics

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Pediatrics

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy