5.M. Scientific session: Health4EUKids: Best practices implemented to European countries to combat childhood obesity

Abstract Child obesity is a growing public health concern across Europe, affecting both their physical and mental health outcomes. Although rates vary by country and socioeconomic status, currently over 1 in 3 children in Europe, reaching in some countries over 40% are with overweight or obesity and is most prevalent among 7-9-year-olds irrespective of dietary patterns. This is evident in countries within Southern Europe especially in Greece, Italy, Spain and Cyprus, where a shift from the mediterranean diet is documented. “Health4EUkids” is a Joint Action (JA) that runs from 2022 until November 2025 that aims on decreasing child obesity prevalence across Europe through the expansion of successful health promotion strategies and prevention measures in the field of health promotion and non-communicable diseases prevention. The program aims to identify and evaluate best practices in terms of diet and physical activity, accounting for specific risk factors (including environmental and cultural aspects), through research (results from evidence-based practices) on childhood obesity. The overall goal of the JA was to implement two best practices, Grunau Moves established in Germany, and Smart Family established in Finland in different and variable Member States (MSs), to evaluate strengths and challenges. The implementation process included the knowledge and experience transfer between best practice owners and partner organisations from the Member States through the implementation of actions, the cooperation and exchange of knowledge between MSs, the organisation of meetings, and related technical support. Also, the main aim of the project is to produce and propose policy development to foster public health investments at community level in each member country for Health Promotion on child obesity. Key messages • Healthy children, healthy future - Together we can stop childhood obesity by promoting community actions, active lifestyles, nutritious diets, and equal opportunities for all. • Health professionals play a vital role in preventing childhood obesity by identifying risks, empowering families with evidence-based guidance, advocating for environments that support healthy growth.