Born in Bradford

Born in Bradford (BiB) is one of the largest and most influential birth cohort studies globally, following the lives of nearly 50,000 Bradfordians since 2007 to understand how genetic, environmental, and social factors impact long-term health and wellbeing within a diverse, deprived, and multi-ethnic community. The BiB Diet, Nutrition, and Obesity (DNO) research is a critical focus, tackling the high prevalence of childhood obesity and poor dietary quality—which are significantly worse in the most deprived areas of the city. The team generates evidence on everything from infant feeding practices and the influence of the local food environment (including school food) to the complex links between food insecurity, financial struggle, and mental health. A notable project includes the development and evaluation of culturally relevant interventions, such as the HAPPY (Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Programme), which aims to prevent childhood obesity in high-risk families.