Can children being overweight be prevented even before birth?
In a new research project, Professor Helle Terkildsen Maindal from Aarhus University is investigating whether preventing overweight and promoting health in families even before the birth of a baby can have an effect. The Novo Nordisk Foundation is supporting the project with DKK 12 million.
When children and young people develop overweight, this is due to a complex interplay between physical, psychological and social factors. In a major national research project, Helle Terkildsen Maindal from the Department of Public Health is working together with research colleagues across disciplines and institutions, to investigate whether the health habits of the parents up to and during pregnancy are linked to the development of overweight in children and adolescents.
According to Helle Terkildsen Maindal, a pregnancy represents a window for change, as the family must take responsibility for a small baby. This means that the time is ripe for creating conditions that can support and inspire selected target groups to live a healthier and more active life that will benefit them and their coming child. The researchers will study children of overweight mothers at ages 3, 12 and 15. The mothers have been followed since pregnancy and childbirth at Rigshospitalet, and Odense and Aarhus university hospitals. These mothers have participated in preventive initiatives and Helle Terkildsen Maindal’s research group will examine the effect of the initiatives in relation to an increased understanding of health and mental health.
Several partners are behind the project, which has received a grant of DKK 12 million from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, with approx. DKK 1.8 million of this going to Helle Terkildsen Maindal.
Kontakt
Professor & PhD Helle Terkildsen Maindal
Aarhus University, Department of Public Health
Mobile: (+45) 2546 2320
Email: htm@ph.au.dk