Tackling childhood obesity is one of the 12 Premier’s Priorities in NSW. The importance of early obesity intervention in tackling this challenge has become clear. However, current evidence of effective early interventions is scarce. Consequently successful prevention strategies with a broad population reach and low cost have yet to be fully developed.
The study aims to take one existing program trial that has shown promise in delivering child body mass index reductions – The National Health and Medical research Council-funded ‘Healthy Beginnings’ Trial – and translate evidence from this trial into a scaled-up practice applicable across the state with a low-cost, broad-reach and sustainable delivery model.
The proposed interventions will be delivered in the antenatal period and over the first 12 months.
Collaborators: Local health districts (South Eastern Sydney, South Western Sydney and Southern NSW), NSW Office of Kids and Families , NSW Office of Preventive Health, Centre of Research Excellence in the Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood, University of Sydney