Research Grant
[Cite as https://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/465437]
Researchers:
Prof Vivienne Moore
(Principal investigator)
,
A/Pr Megan Warin
,
Dr Michael Davies
,
E/Pr Jeffrey Robinson
,
Prof Philip Ryan
View all 6 related researchers
Brief description Childhood obesity is an escalating public health problem both internationally and within Australia. Rates of childhood obesity in Australia are at one of the highest amongst developed nations. 25% of Australian children are currently overweight or obese. Obesity is a strong risk factor for chronic disease. In children, obesity is of concern because it is highly likely to persist and, during childhood, contributes to serious physical and mental health problems. A quarter of Australian children are now carrying excess body fat. Because of these factors, prevention of obesity is paramount because success of current treatment options is limited and does not last. Especially harmful forms of fatness may originate in early life - the tendency to store fat in the abdominal region and the tendency to accrete fat rather than muscle (at any body size). For this reason, the early life determinants of obesity deserve special attention, even in the presence of society-wide factors conducive to obesity. Professor Moore and a group of researchers from the University of Adelaide will test the proposition that pre-birth and infancy is a ‘critical period’ for the development of obesity. The group aims to investigate whether there is a distinct period in early life for acquiring the predisposition to harmful forms of fatness. The project also aims to identify practical opportunities for prevention, focusing on mothers and their infants.
Funding Amount $AUD 1,152,711.53
Funding Scheme NHMRC Strategic Awards
Notes A Healthy Start to Life (for All Australians)
- nhmrc : 465437
- PURL : https://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/465437
