Extrait

Background and study aims The number of children who are obese (very overweight) has increased rapidly over the past two decades. Children who are overweight are likely to be overweight as adults which may cause problems both in the short term and in the long term. National surveys show that more than one in five children are already overweight (13%) or obese (10%) when they start school. Hence any efforts to prevent obesity must start early. The Foresight Report and the Healthy Weight Healthy Lives strategy have highlighted the importance of preventing childhood obesity by focussing on the early years. However, to date there is little evidence on which to develop effective preventive strategies. Infancy is a period of rapid growth and weight gain and obesity prevention during this period may be effective. Nutrition and growth during infancy may also have long term effects by altering eating behaviours and risks of obesity and obesity-related disorders in later life. UK Infant Feeding Surveys show that at birth one in three (35%) babies receive formula-milk and this number increases to almost all babies (92%) at 6 months of age. So, in addition to promoting breastfeeding, it important to optimise the growth of formula-milk fed babies. Previous research shows that parents who give their babies formula-milk as part of their everyday diet need more information and support. Researchers at the Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR) and MRC Epidemiology Unit in Cambridge have been working with mothers and healthcare professionals to develop a feeding programme which aims to avoid formula-milk fed babies putting on too much weight. The programme developed for this study aims to support parents who feed their babies formula-milk to achieve a healthy pattern of growth and weight gain. Who can participate? Mothers with formula-milk fed babies aged between 2-10 weeks. What does the study involve? Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups. Those in group 1 are given advice and support to follow the new feeding programme. Those in group 2 are given routine advice about formula-milk feeding and weaning. The growth of babies in the two groups are then compared during the first year of the babies lives. This comparison is important to test whether the new feeding programme is effective in preventing the babies from gaining too much weight and become obese in later life. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? Participants will get information about infant feeding and growth which may help them make better decisions. Participants in both groups will be sent regular newsletters to inform them of the emerging findings. There are no risks of taking part as decisions are made by mothers. Where is the study run from? MRC Epidemiology Unit, Cambridge (UK) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? January 2011 to December 2015 Who is funding the study? Medical Research Council (UK) Who is the main contact? Dr Rajalakshmi Lakshman

Critère d'inclusion

• Public Health, Obesity Prevention

Liens

• ictrp
• isrctn