ECORYS/ECOTEC report on preventative public policy and childhood obesity

8 September 2009 - Obesity is not a new problem, but it is a growing problem. The number of children affected is rising.The International Obesity Taskforce (IOTF) estimates that worldwide one in ten children is overweight, with a total of 30-45 million classed as obese. ECORYS and ECOTEC have conducted a research study to evaluate public policy aimed at preventing childhood obesity. The study is supported by the ECORYS Research Programme and adds to our growing body of work on public health.

Picture of child with hamburgerThe study focuses on 'overweight' and 'obesity' as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), looking specifically at children and young people (aged 5-19). It examines In the scoping stage we looked at a range of public health policies on obesity at European, national, regional, and community levels. We reviewed the current evidence base on what works and what doesn’t work to prevent obesity in children.

We went on to look at preventative public policy responses in detail using two case study countries – the UK and the Netherlands. The methodology involved desk research and analysis of data quality using a common pro-forma, and interviews with key stakeholders (both policymakers and practitioners).

The findings of the study have been submitted to a peer reviewed journal: Obesity Facts. The deliverables are of interest to a wide range of policy and practice stakeholders across Europe and particularly within the two case study countries.

The study brought together researchers with a wide variety of skills and interests from ECOTEC (Nicki Hall, Allice Hocking and Kate Crosswaite) and ECORYS (Wija Oortwijn, Emmy Nelissen and Judith Mathijssen) and was overseen by a high level academic and expert in this field, Professor Carolyn Summerbell, University of Durham.

The study will be followed-up with an ERP seminar which is most likely to take place this November in London with the aim to showcase our results and organise an exchange of best practice among the participants.

You can read more in the research study report.

For more information:

Emmy Nelissen
T +31 10 453 86 13
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