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Review
. 2026 Jan;21(1):e70060.
doi: 10.1111/ijpo.70060. Epub 2025 Oct 17.

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

Mireille C Schipper  1   2 , Anna Manshanden  3 , Kaat Philippe  4 , Natàlia Ferré  5   6 , Veronica Luque  5   6 , Marion Lecorguillé  7 , Adrien M Aubert  4 , Kathrin Guerlich  8   9 , Camille Le Gal  7 , Shweta Feher  8 , Ester Parada-Ricart  5   6 , Joaquin Escribano  5   6 , Veit Grote  8   9 , Berthold Koletzko  8   9   10 , Teresa Primavesi-Poggio  11 , Katharina Reiss  12 , Jaap C Seidell  3 , Sandrine Lioret  7 , Catherine M Phillips  4 , Barbara Heude  7 , Romy Gaillard  1   2
Affiliations
Review

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

Mireille C Schipper et al. Pediatr Obes. 2026 Jan.

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.

Keywords: childhood obesity; european consortium; first 1000 days of life; lifestyle; prediction; prevention.

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Conflict of interest statement

The IISPV group conducts research partially funded by industry (Nestlé, Südzucker group, DGC cooperative) not related to the purpose of this review.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Overview of the EndObesity Consortium partners and collaborators. Circles on the map represent countries involved and approximate sample sizes of the contributing studies. The accompanying table provides details on each partner institution, partner‐specific studies and collaborators.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Conceptual framework for the EndObesity Consortium. i represents family‐based adverse modifiable lifestyle factors in preconception, pregnancy and early‐childhood related to increased risks of childhood obesity via independent effects and synergistic interacting effects. These factors urgently need to be used for prediction of childhood obesity and be the target of intervention strategies in these crucial transition periods. Maternal lifestyle and nutrition directly influence the preconception and pregnancy environment important for the oocyte and developing foetus. Paternal lifestyle influences maternal and family‐based lifestyle, highlighting the importance of targeting both parents. Facilitators and barriers may influence these family‐based health behaviours, behavioural change and obesity risk. These factors may also be used for prediction of childhood obesity and need to be considered in prevention and implementation strategies.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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