Development and evaluation of an intervention for the prevention of obesity in a multiethnic population: the Born in Bradford applied research porgramme

Abstract

There is an absence of evidence about interventions to prevent or treat obesity in early childhood and in South Asian populations, in whom risk is higher. Objectives: To study patterns and the aetiology of childhood obesity in a multiethnic population and develop a prevention intervention. Design: A cohort of pregnant women and their infants was recruited. Measures to compare growth and identify targets for obesity prevention, sensitive to ethnic differences, were collected. A feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) was undertaken. Setting: Bradford, UK. Participants: A total of 1735 mothers, 933 of whom were of South Asian origin. Intervention: A feasibility trial of a group-based intervention aimed at overweight women, delivered ante- and postnatally, targeting key modifiable lifestyle behaviours to reduce infant obesity. Main outcome measures: The feasibility and acceptability of the pilot intervention. Data sources: Routine NHS data and additional bespoke research data. Review methods: A systematic review of diet and physical activity interventions to prevent or treat obesity in South Asian children and adults.