How to prevent and manage obesity in small children?

Question

Hi doctor,

My son is 12 years old. He is not active and always plays video games and watches television. He also looks obese. He is not even spending time with his grandparents. So, kindly help me keep my child active and overcome his obesity issue.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

If your child weighs 45 kilograms at 12 years, that is his ideal body weight. He is not obese. Here are a few tips to encourage him to a healthier lifestyle:

Encourage him to find a physical activity that he enjoys. This could be a sport, dance class, martial arts, or outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or swimming.
Set limits on screen time and encourage him to engage more in physical activities. A good rule of thumb is to limit screen time to no more than two hours per day.
Make physical activity a family affair. Plan outings and activities that the whole family can enjoy, such as going on hikes, playing outdoor games, or taking a family bike ride.
Please encourage your child to be more independent and explore their environment. Encourage them to walk or bike to school or to run errands on foot or by bike.
Consider enrolling your child in an after-school program focusing on physical activity, such as sports leagues or martial arts classes.
Be a positive role model by staying active and modeling healthy behaviors.

Remember that encouraging your child to be more active should be a gradual process and that the goal is to find activities that your child enjoys and that fit their interests and needs. Be patient and supportive as your child learns to be more active, and celebrate their achievements.

I hope this information will help.

Thank you.