New paper maps European strategies for childhood obesity prevention through a systems lens
A new article published in Frontiers in Pediatrics provides an overview of current prevention and treatment strategies for childhood obesity across Europe.
Based on insights from the 2023 European Association for Research on Obesity in Childhood (EAROC) symposium, the paper uses an ecological systems lens to analyse gaps, strengths, and future directions for policy and practice.
Authored by EAROC Chair Prof. Dr. Kurt Widhalm and Dr. Paula Moliterno, the article explores how different levels of intervention - individual, interpersonal, organisational, community, and policy - are being addressed across Europe. It highlights a strong focus on early-life and family-based interventions, but finds limited integration of community and political-level action, which are crucial for sustainable progress.
Strengths and gaps in current approaches
Many countries are implementing multi-component strategies that include:
- Education and behavioural tools, including family support, lifestyle coaching, and school-based programmes
- Institutional support, such as training for healthcare professionals and integrating services into existing care pathways
- Monitoring and standardisation, using BMI z-scores and body composition for long-term evaluation
However, the review finds that most interventions remain concentrated at the individual and institutional levels. The broader systemic drivers - such as socioeconomic inequity, built environment, and political will - are less frequently addressed.
READ THE STUDY
A call for systems thinking and equity
The paper emphasises the need to adopt a whole-systems approach to childhood obesity, integrating efforts across sectors and governance levels. It also underscores the importance of equity, recommending that interventions be adapted to reflect social, cultural, and economic realities - particularly among under-served groups including families with lower socioeconomic status or migration backgrounds.
Key recommendations include:
- Embedding prevention across early life stages, including perinatal and early childhood care
- Enhancing cross-sector collaboration between health, education, and policy sectors
- Ensuring community-level engagement and long-term political commitment
- Investing in equity-sensitive research and capacity-building across Europe
This article provides a timely overview of current efforts and remaining gaps in childhood obesity prevention across Europe. By framing interventions through an ecological systems lens, it highlights the need to move beyond individual-level solutions and toward integrated, multisectoral action. The authors call for stronger political commitment, greater focus on equity, and the development of long-term strategies that address the complex drivers of childhood obesity at every level of society.
Read the article
Read the full study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics, September 2025.
Moliterno P, Widhalm K. Overview of prevention and treatment approaches: a summary from the European Association for Research on Obesity in Childhood “Prevention of Obesity” symposium.