Dads as health heroes: study tests coaching for new parents to curb baby weight gain
NCT ID NCT04477577
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether giving extra health coaching to new parents—especially fathers—could help prevent rapid weight gain in babies and reduce obesity risk. Researchers enrolled 657 parents from Massachusetts General Hospital and randomly assigned them to either receive coaching on healthy habits or just safety information. The goal was to see if the coaching led to healthier infant growth and better long-term health for the whole family.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
health coaching and safety education
What this could lead to
If successful, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way to prevent childhood obesity by supporting both parents early on.
What could go wrong
This is a completed study, but results may not apply to all families. The intervention is behavioral, so effects may vary widely.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States