Completion of the International Summer School “Best Practices in Childhood Obesity” by the 6th Health ADM in collaboration with the University of Patras
The intensive summer school “Best Practices in Childhood Obesity” was successfully completed, organized by the 6th Health ADM in collaboration with the University of Patras, with lecturers and participants from various European countries, designed for pediatricians, clinical nutritionists, dietitians, public health professionals and other healthcare providers working with children. The structure of the summer school included both theoretical background and best practices in teamwork and lectures by distinguished scientists working in the European Health4EUkids project.
The aim was to equip participants with evidence-based knowledge, practical skills and interdisciplinary tools to effectively address the complex issue of childhood obesity, offering the opportunity to highlight the interdisciplinary approach used in childhood obesity to optimize health outcomes. At the same time, students had the opportunity to be trained in the latest developments and applications for childhood obesity at the community level.
A total of 26 students from Croatia, Finland, Greece, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, at the end of this summer school, were able to:
– Understand the epidemiology, risk factors and long-term consequences of childhood obesity.
– Become proficient in screening and diagnostic criteria, including the interpretation of BMI, growth charts and metabolic markers.
– Learn how to assess dietary intake, physical activity, and mental health in children and adolescents.
– Explore strategies for family-centered care, motivational interviewing, and behavior change communication.
– Examine best practices in promoting nutrition and physical activity.
– Understand the psychosocial dimensions of obesity, including stigma, self-esteem, and mental health.
– Examine public health initiatives, school programs, and policy approaches.
– Develop interprofessional strategies for managing complex childhood obesity cases.
#HaDEA
The “HEALTH4EUkids” Joint Action aims to implement health promotion and prevention strategies for child obesity across European countries. It seeks to share best practices and research findings, particularly focusing on the initiatives Grunau Moves from Germany and Smart Family from Finland. The project involves knowledge transfer, cooperation between member states, policy development, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles in families and communities. Its goal is to prevent childhood obesity, increase physical activity and healthy diet, and ensure the sustainability and transferability of successful practices to other member states.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s EU4HEALTH Programme under the Grant Agreement no 101082462