Many times we have commented that the keys to combating childhood obesity are good nutrition and physical exercise. However, in a the LVIII Congress of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP) held these days in Zaragoza, specialists point out the psychological support as a complementary method to diet and physical exercise in the treatment of obesity.
It is a very logical point, if we consider that the psychological factor is important in many cases of this disease, since overeating and gaining weight quickly can be the child's response to a painful event or a reaction to any stressful situation .
It has also pointed out the deficiencies that our society has in terms of health education, both families, determinants in the habits of life acquired by children, and schools.
In addition the pediatricians themselves demand a generalization in their sector, and that is to see in advance (to "anticipate") the problems that in the future, as an adult, the small patient may have. In this, obesity has a lot to say, given the many problems that children may have in the future.
The head of the Food Disorders Unit of the Niño Jesús Hospital in Madrid, Dr. Gonzalo Morandé, points out that
well-motivated motivation and will can help them face the problem and make decisions that imply changes in their lifestyle.
Good ideas, and although there is surely a lack of means to carry them out as would be desirable, it is an important step to emphasize these shortcomings and the need for psychological support as a complementary route for the treatment of childhood obesity.
