Texting parents may help keep babies at a healthy weight

NCT ID NCT04042467

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether giving parents extra support through text messages and a website could help prevent obesity in babies. 900 families were split into two groups: one got standard advice on healthy habits, and the other also got texts and goal-setting tools. Researchers tracked the babies' weight and length for two years to see if the extra support made a difference.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

behavioral intervention (text messages, website, goal-setting)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could provide a simple, low-cost way for doctors to help families prevent childhood obesity starting from birth.

What could go wrong

This is a completed study, so results are available. However, the intervention is behavioral, so its impact may be modest and may not work for all families or in different settings.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

Health Behavior Pediatric Obesity obesity disorder prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Duke University

    Durham, North Carolina, 27708, United States

  • New York University

    New York, New York, 10003, United States

  • Stanford University

    Stanford, California, 94305, United States

  • University of Miami

    Coral Gables, Florida, 33146, United States

  • University of North Carolina

    Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States

  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center

    Nashville, Tennessee, 37203-2494, United States