Hungary backs EU research on obesity
EARNEST, an EU funded project on fighting childhood obesity, has received the political backing from Hungary's newly-appointed Minister for Health. Funded under the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6), the project is providing new scientific evidence of a link between early nutrition and conditions such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Speaking at a conference organised by the project consortium in Budapest, Ágnes Horvath, the newly appointed minister, explained why it was important for her country to support the research undertaken by EARNEST. 'In Hungary, we have the lowest life expectancy in the EU, rising obesity rates in adults and 10 times more obese children than 30 years ago. The results from your conference and research will help us to address these major health challenges,' she said. Scientists believe that what a mother eats and how a baby is fed in its first few months can 'programme' it for a lifetime of good or poor health. One of the project's findings from its EU Childhood Obesity Programme indicates for example that low protein content in infant formulae brings metabolic and endocrine benefits, and gives rise to a body growth rate close to that of breastfed babies. With further follow-up of the children involved in the EARNEST project, the researchers hope to establish whether these changes are associated with a lower risk of childhood obesity at a later age. Low protein content in infant formulae did not show any untoward effects and is considered safe. 'These first results of the EU Childhood Obesity Programme emphasise the importance of promotion of and support for breastfeeding, together with the development of the right composition of infant formula, and support for the choice of appropriate complementary food,' says project coordinator Professor Berthold Koletzko. Dr Horvath promised on behalf on her country to work at EU level to drive forward research to address obesity and to implement local strategies to raise awareness and support families, particularly in relation to feeding and lifestyle behaviours in early life. '90% of mothers in Hungary start with breastfeeding - much higher than the European average of 60% - but many stop. Our network of child health nurses, available in every locality, can help support breastfeeding by providing consistent support to families and become a part of family life,' said the minister.
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