Positive feeding practices and food preferences in very early childhood - a primary care obesity prevention program [ 2008 - 2009 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Lynne Daniels (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Anthea Magarey ,  Dr Clara Bookless ,  Ms Alison Day ,  Prof Geoffrey Davidson

Brief description The more than 1:5 and rapidly increasing number of overweight Australian children are at a substantially increased risk of becoming fat adults resulting in increased illness, mortality, health care burden and costs. Adult eating habits are influenced and formed by food preferences and capacity to self-regulate in response to behaviours developed in childhood. Thus parent feeding practices in very early childhood are critical. This study aims to show that a program of parent education and peer support to initiate and maintain positive feeding practices in very young children (6-10 months) will (1) promote healthy eating behaviours and (2) prevent excess weight gain and overweight in children. A successsful intervention will provide evidence for policies and programs that can be implemented within a large primary care service to equip and support mothers-carers in developing the confidence and skills to introduce positive feeding practices in very early childhood. This is consistent with current community interest in early childhood as the foundation for health and well-being.

Funding Amount $AUD 1,459,238.09

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant