Project concept for “NUTRITION, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND PREVENTION OF OBESITY AND DIABETES IN SCHOOLCHILDREN ” ("NCD EG Flagship Project A") Food and nutrition plays a hugely important role in causing and preventing many diseases. Obesity and lack of physical activity have become one of the biggest public health threats in ND area. Childhood and youth are crucial periods when nutritional and physical activity habits are formed. Hence, our primary focus is in children and young adults. The overall project scope is estimated to be about 3 million € for a 3 year period. Tentatively 5 countries would participate, but the aim is to produce a project template which could be launched in even more interested countries with their own or additional external funds.

SUMMARY CONCLUSIONS ON CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH OBESITY INTERVENTION (2010/ Finland) The treatment of childhood obesity is often inefficient and difficult and therefore preventive measures are needed already in early childhood, before over-weight has developed. The risk-factors of obesity and hence also possible interventions differ in different ages of the child. Usually interventions aiming to prevent obesity among children have been focused on increasing physical activity or changing nutritional habits towards healthier direction among school-aged children. Research data about the prevention of childhood obesity is incomplete, and we do not know what is the best method. Yet, interventions CAN have a positive effect on lifestyles and further to the well-being and health of the child.