23/09/25
Global study led by NHMRC CTC researcher wins major award for transforming childhood obesity prevention
Dr Kylie Hunter from the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre (CTC) at the University of Sydney, has been awarded the prestigious Sydney Health Partners Award for Using Research to Change Health Practice, for her leadership of the global TOPCHILD Collaboration–a landmark study that is redefining early childhood obesity prevention.
Globally, over 37 million children under five are living with overweight or obesity – placing them at increased risk of lifelong health issues. Despite signification investment in parent focused prevention programs, uncertainty remained about their effectiveness.
Dr Hunter’s research, recently published in The Lancet, delivered a clear message: parent-focused programs alone are not enough to prevent obesity in young children.
“Our findings show that we need to stop putting the onus on families alone to tackle the obesity epidemic,” said Dr Hunter. “Governments, health services and local authorities must show stronger leadership and commitment to addressing the social and environmental drivers of obesity.”
The study, conducted through the Transforming Obesity Prevention for Children (TOPCHILD) Collaboration, brought together over 70 experts across 47 institutions and analysed data from nearly 30,000 children, making it the largest individual participant data meta-analysis in the field.
The findings have already prompted engagement from global health leaders, including the World Health Organization, the Irish Government, and the New South Wales Ministry of Health, to inform future obesity strategies.
"It’s a real honour to have the work of the TOPCHILD Collaboration recognised with this award,” Dr Hunter said. “It reflects the power of collaboration to drive positive change in children’s health.”
This recognition highlights the collective effort behind the research – particularly the dedication of the NextGen team at the CTC, who worked tirelessly over several years to bring this ambitious project to life.
Looking ahead, Dr Hunter and her team are interested in assessing policy level solutions for obesity prevention, such as improved food labelling, restrictions on junk food marketing, and better access to safe physical activity spaces.
More than a celebration of scientific excellence, this award underscores the potential of the research to reshape health policy and practice – both in Australia and globally.
About the TOPCHILD Collaboration
The TOPCHILD Collaboration is a global initiative that unites more than 70 researchers from 47 institutions, contributing original data to create the largest early childhood obesity prevention database to date, encompassing nearly 30,000 children.