The early origins of health and disease

Health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, mental health, and chronic respiratory diseases affect thousands of Australians every year, diminishing our quality of life and costing millions of dollars in healthcare.

Tackling these conditions, known as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) presents one of the greatest challenges we face on a national and global scale.

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Over 30 years ago epidemiological observations, linking adult disease and birthweight, led to the fetal origins of disease hypothesis.

Since then, in recognition of the impacts of developmental plasticity, the complex role of epigenetics, and the broader scope of potential influencers throughout early childhood, the term Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) is used to describe the lasting effect of these early influences on our lifelong health outcomes.

Research in the field of DOHaD provides compelling evidence that events during pregnancy and the first 1000 days of life can impact life course health.

In fact, the very earliest stages of development can impact our risk of:

  • asthma

  • allergies

  • obesity

  • diabetes

  • hypertension

  • cardiovascular disease

  • neurodevelopmental and mental health complications later in life.

Despite the existing evidence, we are still lacking a complete understanding of the mechanisms underlying some of these health conditions.

The NEW1000 Study will help researchers and clinicians better understand these complex mechanisms and plan effective interventions to improve health outcomes.