Anticipatory Guidance for Prevention of Childhood Obesity: Design of the MOMS Project

The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in the United States has increased by more than 100% since 1971. Primary care clinicians have a unique opportunity to influence child health during the first year of life via anticipatory guidance (AG). However, little is known about whether AG regarding feeding and meal structure is effective in promoting optimal nutrition and eating behaviors. The purpose of this project, "Making our Mealtimes Special" (MOMS), was to assess 2 distinct methods of pediatric AG during infancy versus a "usual care" condition, with the ultimate goal of prevention of childhood overweight and obesity. The purpose of this article is to describe the ( a) study design and rationale, (b) implementation plan, (c ) assessment of outcomes, and (d) population enrolled. This project will generate important information on the usefulness of nutritional AG during the first year of life in promoting healthy eating behaviors during early childhood.