Protocol Feasibility Study of HENRY

Tackling obesity is a public health priority. Childhood obesity is of particular concern due to its impact on physiological and psychological health and likelihood of tracking into adulthood, with associated diseases and disorders and financial burden to the NHS. Once established, obesity is hard to treat. Therefore, prevention strategies aimed at children are essential. This study aims to determine the feasibility of undertaking a full trial to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the HENRY (Health, Exercise, Nutrition for the Really Young) programme in preventing childhood obesity. It is a multi-centre, open labelled, two group, prospective, cluster randomised, controlled, feasibility study aiming to recruit 120 parents from 12 Children's Centres. HENRY (Health, Exercise, Nutrition for the Really Young) is an 8 week community based intervention delivered in settings such as Children's Centres, aimed at preventing childhood obesity by supporting families to make positive lifestyle changes. It is currently widely delivered across the UK. Preliminary data indicates that HENRY may be effective at reducing childhood obesity and improving family health, although a robust evaluation has not yet been conducted. A good deal of public money has already been used to develop and commission HENRY and it is essential to demonstrate clear benefits of the programme before further funding. This study will determine whether a definitive randomised controlled trial (RCT) of HENRY is feasible. 12 Children's Centres will be recruited from two local authorities. From these, half will be randomised to deliver HENRY programmes. From the participating Children's Centres, 120 parents will be recruited. All participants will be asked to meet with a researcher twice in their home, 12 months apart. During the visit, parents will complete 4 questionnaires around diet and lifestyle. Height and weight measurements will also be taken from the parent (optional) and child (compulsory). The dec