First 1000 Days Strategies to Prevent Childhood Obesity: A Narrative Review and Recommendations From the EndObesity Consortium

Abstract

Childhood obesity remains a major global public health challenge, leading to significant short- and long-term adverse health outcomes and imposing substantial societal costs. Recognising the critical importance of early intervention, the Horizon2020 EU-funded JPI Consortium EndObesity has prioritised the first 1000 days of life, from preconception to 2 years of age, as a key window for obesity prevention strategies. This narrative review synthesises findings from the EndObesity Consortium, summarising evidence from large multi-cohort studies on the influence of family-based health behaviours in the first 1000 days on offspring obesity risk, the potential of childhood obesity prediction models in the first 1000 days, and strategies to enhance prenatal and postnatal interventions to prevent childhood obesity development. Finally, we present recommendations for research, practice, and policy to address the complex, multifaceted challenges of childhood obesity prevention in the first 1000 days.