Approach of Grunau moves in European countries

Abstract Child obesity is rising rapidly in Europe, especially among vulnerable populations, posing serious future health. The Health4EUkids project supports the transfer of two best practices to EU member states. One, “Grunau Moves,” targets child obesity in deprived neighbourhoods through community-led health promotion. These projects are being transferred and contextualized in 16 pilots across six countries. “Grunau Moves” is a health promotion complex, multilevel, long-term intersectoral and participatory intervention targeting the determinants of obesogenic environments and emphasizing trust-building or social cohesion. The approach began with a context analysis, the development of a core group and health network, and decision-maker engagement. A participatory needs assessment was conducted using three tools: the Healthy Living Tool, Group Model Building, and Asset Mapping. There were co-design events where community members prioritized actions tailored to local needs. Each pilot develops at least four main actions with a range of different activities, of varying maturity levels. Each of the sixteen pilots develop their own health network, comprising stakeholders such as community leaders, sports clubs, youth groups, families, local businesses, engaged municipalities, schools, primary healthcare centres, and others. These networks co-created local action plans, resulting in 43 health education programmes and 18 environmental interventions including school gardens, active school grounds, weekly markets, open activity spaces, and walking routes, all designed to promote healthier environments. The co-design process enhanced community ownership ensuring actions were locally sustainable. However, a key challenge was shifting mindsets-from focusing solely on individual behaviours to recognizing the environmental factors contributing to obesity. Many communities found it difficult to understand obesity as a policy issue rather than a personal one.