Paulina Nowicka, PhD, RD Professor, Uppsala University | Affiliated Researcher,Karolinska Institutet
Professor, Uppsala University | Affiliated Researcher, Karolinska Institutet
Paulina Nowicka is Chair Professor in Food Studies, Nutrition and Dietetics at Uppsala University, Sweden, with a focus on communication in dietetics and family-based approaches to childhood obesity. She is also Associate Professor at Karolinska Institutet and Co-Chair of the Childhood Obesity Working Group at the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO). Her work centers on developing ethical, effective strategies for obesity prevention and treatment that involve and support families. Professor Nowicka holds degrees in clinical nutrition, psychology, and pediatrics, and has led multidisciplinary research across Sweden, the United States, and the United Kingdom. She has authored over 90 peer-reviewed publications and has an h-index of 38 (Google Scholar, July 2025). She serves as Associate Editor for Obesity Reviews and sits on the editorial board of Childhood Obesity, among other international journals. She has contributed to and coordinated several national and European research projects, including the Horizon 2020 STOP project, and played a key role in developing the Swedish national guidelines for obesity care. She is also a member of the WHO Guideline Development Group for Childhood Obesity in Primary Care. Her scientific interests include family dynamics in obesity care, stigma reduction in healthcare settings, and the ethical involvement of children in treatment decisions. She is President of the upcoming European Childhood Obesity Congress (ECOG) 2025 and a board member of the Swedish Society for Childhood Obesity.
HOW CAN FAMILIES HELP PREVENT CHILDHOOD OBESITY EARLY IN LIFE?
Families are where children first learn about food, movement, and self-worth. Supportive routines and a caring emotional climate lay the foundation for healthy development and lifelong habits.
WHAT KINDS OF FAMILY ROUTINES AND HABITS SUPPORT HEALTHIER GROWTH IN CHILDREN?
Shared meals, physical activity as a family, and warm, structured parenting help create a healthy home environment. Consistency and encouragement – rather than pressure – are key, especially when tailored to each child’s needs.
HOW DO YOU SUPPORT PARENTS WHO ARE THEMSELVES LIVING WITH OVERWEIGHT OR STRUGGLING WITH THEIR OWN HEALTH HABITS?
We meet all parents with respect and without judgment. The focus is on building positive parenting strategies, because when parents feel supported – not blamed – they’re more likely to engage and succeed long-term.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO SUPPORT CHANGE IN THE FAMILY WITHOUT MAKING THE CHILD FEEL GUILTY OR ASHAMED?
By shifting the focus from weight to health and celebrating shared efforts. Age-appropriate involvement,kind language, and a family mindset help protect the child’s emotional wellbeing and dignity.
WHAT DOES RESEARCH SAY ABOUT HOW FAMILY SUPPORT AFFECTS TREATMENT OUTCOMES?
Family involvement is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes – emotionally and physically.
Interventions like the More and Less program show lasting improvements in BMI, confidence, and family relationships, even years after treatment ends.
WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MISTAKES FAMILIES MAKE WHEN TRYING TO HELP A CHILD WITH HIGHER WEIGHT?
Controlling strategies – like pressure to eat less or treating siblings differently – can do more harm than good. Instead, small structural changes and invisible support, like not bringing home sugary drinks, can be more effective and empowering.
WHAT DOES AN EFFECTIVE TEAM APPROACH TO FAMILY-BASED OBESITY CARE LOOK LIKE?
An ideal team includes dietitians, psychologists, nurses, physiotherapists and of course pediatricians. When families are supported as a system, including siblings, fathers, and grandparents, change becomes more sustainable and relationships are strengthened.
HOW CAN DIGITAL TOOLS OR APPS HELP FAMILIES MAKE LASTING CHANGES?
Digital tools can be helpful for tracking habits, setting goals, or supporting communication – especially with older children or teens. But they should always be paired with human connection and used in ways that feel safe and non-judgmental.
HOW DO YOU ADAPT YOUR APPROACH FOR FAMILIES FROM DIFFERENT CULTURAL OR SOCIAL BACKGROUNDS?
Every family has its own values and ways of caring. We adapt by listening first, recognizing diverse family roles – including grandparents – and shaping care to reflect families’ lived realities and strengths’.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SCHOOLS OR HEALTH SERVICES THAT WANT TO SUPPORT FAMILIES IN PREVENTING CHILDHOOD OBESITY?
Make sure families feel seen and included – not judged. Offer consistent, practical messages, build trust with all caregivers, and create spaces where healthy routines can grow in a way that fits each family’s life.
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