A landmark study led by the University of Sydney has found no evidence that family-based early obesity prevention programs, such as home visits from health professionals or community parent groups, improve overall body mass index (BMI) in young children.
Published in The Lancet, the study was led by Dr Kylie Hunter from the Faculty of Medicine and Health as part of the TOPCHILD collaboration with multiple scientists including those at the University Medical Center Rostock and Flinders University.
“To shift the dial, we need to stop putting the onus on families alone. Governments, health officials and local authorities must show stronger leadership and commitment to addressing the social and environmental drivers of obesity,” said Dr Kylie Hunter.
Visit: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)01144-4/abstract