Potential of research recommendations for policy implementation to address childhood obesity – STOP Project

The Horizon Europe 2020 Science and Technology in childhood Obesity Policy (STOP) project will hold a a three–day series of interactive stakeholder dialogues from the 3-5 of October in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Childhood obesity has become one of the most pressing public health concerns of our time. By 2020, almost one third of boys and just over one quarter of girls aged 7–9 years in Europe were affected by overweight or obesity. COVID-19 has further contributed to obesity amongst children. Childhood obesity often continues into adulthood and, children who have obesity are more likely to develop non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age. A number of strategic documents and initiatives are emerging at the EU and WHO levels to address that challenge.  

In recognition of this, scientists, healthcare professionals and health policy-makers around Europe have joined forces to identify, evaluate and implement effective approaches to prevent and manage childhood obesity and reduce risk of obesity, and other NCDs. The STOP project aims to address the determinants of childhood obesity, to explore multi-sectoral policies and provide policy tools and recommendations to help address childhood obesity comprehensively. A key pillar of the project has focused on engaging and understanding the roles and attitudes of a range of stakeholders in a systematic manner, including amongst others, policy makers.  

Day 1 (3 October)

Morning session 9:00 – 13:15

• Highlights of the main STOP findings for effective policy implementation 

Afternoon session 14:30 – 17:30

• Stakeholders engagement in nutrition and obesity policies and the role of NGOs  

Day 2 (4 October)

Morning session 9:00 – 13:00

• Research knowledge transfer to the WHO Euro nutrition, physical activity and childhood obesity policies

Afternoon session 14:15 – 17:00 

• Stakeholders engagement in nutrition and obesity policies at the national level, research knowledge transfer to the governance structures at the EU and national levels 

Day 3 (5 October)

Morning session 9:00 – 13:30

• Translation of nutrition, physical activity and obesity policy research findings into new joint action on health determinants

The aim of the event is two-fold:

1. 1. To increase the understanding of stakeholder engagement, interactions and decision making processes at the EU and national levels, reflecting on the STOP recommendations for the sustainable engagement of all stakeholders groups, especially policy makers and NGO/CS stakeholders.
   2. To provide an opportunity for knowledge transfer of select STOP research findings and policy recommendations to the EU and broader WHO region Member States policy makers.