What advice is appropriate for a growing child to prevent obesity?

Focusing on consuming fewer sweetened beverages is a crucial piece of advice for preventing obesity in a growing child. Sweetened beverages, such as sodas and sugary juices, are often high in calories and offer little to no nutritional value. These drinks can lead to excessive calorie intake and contribute to weight gain if consumed regularly. Encouraging children to limit these beverages helps them replace them with healthier options like water or milk, promoting better hydration and overall nutritional health. This approach also instills mindful eating habits that can last into adulthood, supporting a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight.

The other suggestions do not support healthy lifestyle choices that contribute to weight management. Eating only one large meal a day may lead to nutrient deficiencies and poor eating habits, while consuming sweets after every meal could increase overall calorie intake and sugar consumption. Additionally, watching television for extended periods is associated with sedentary behavior, which can further contribute to obesity. Thus, advising on reducing sweetened beverage consumption is the most effective strategy in this context.