Dietary outcomes of the Healthy Dads Healthy Kids randomised controlled trial

Fathers have not been exclusively targeted in family-based lifestyle programmes. The aim was to determine whether dietary intakes of fathers and children can be improved, following an intervention targeting fathers. Overweight and obese fathers (n=50, 21–65 years, body mass index [mean±standard deviation] 33.3±4.1) and their children (5–12 years) were recruited. Dietary intake was assessed at baseline and 6 months (n=35) by food frequency questionnaire. Linear mixed models determined differences by time. Fathers significantly reduced portion size (P=0.03) but not energy intakes, whereas children reduced energy intakes (kJ) (P=0.02). There is an opportunity to target fathers as to improve child intakes.