JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Childhood obesity is a global public health concern and is a priority for researchers and policy makers. Approximately 340 million children and adolescents were obese or overweight in 2016. To overcome the epidemic of obesity, influencing factors throughout the lifespan need to be addressed, including those in the preconception period. Gaining an understanding of paternal preconception factors associated with childhood obesity is important for public health interventions.

Objective:

This systematic review examines the relationship between paternal preconception obesity and health behaviours and their offspring’s obesity and body weight.

Methods:

This review will follow the 2020 Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-2020). Observational studies investigating paternal preconception obesity and health behaviours, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep, psychological stress, exercise, and eating habits, and its relationship with childhood obesity and overweight will be included. Studies obtained from a specific search strategy, conducted in seven databases, will be exported to a reference management software. At least two independent researchers will conduct study selection, data extraction and management, and quality assessment. A descriptive synthesis will be used to report relevant findings from each paternal preconception exposure.

Results:

This systematic review will begin in September 2021 and is expected to be completed by the end of June 2022.

Conclusions:

Findings from this review will provide valuable insights into the relationship between preconception paternal exposures and children’s obesity and body weight. Findings will also help support health professionals working with families during the preconception period.