The work carried out within OBCT is structured by three main output groups: Knowledge, Maps, and Tools.
In terms of Knowledge, we initiated several reviews to identify the different causes of obesity through systematic literature reviews (SLRs) in RP1, including five SLRs in WP1 to understand the biological, sociocultural and environmental risks of obesity. Within each review, the role of SEP stays central in our research question. Three other SLRs in WP3 aim to understand the behavioural causes of obesity: one for dietary behaviours, one for physical activity and one for sedentary behaviours, with focus on crucial (transitioning) life stages. These eight systematic reviews will form the cornerstone of the integrated causal pathways from genes to environments, behaviours and, ultimately, obesity. Out of these eight reviews, five were completed and three are currently in advanced stages. All this synthesized knowledge would also serve as input for the development of the risk screener, an OBCT tool that will help health professionals calculate the risks of obesity in the general population. Complementary to these SLRs are ongoing original analyses that verify the associations between these domains of risks and obesity across the life stages using European cohort data. Moreover, we also initiated a series of original analyses within Task 1.4 that examine the intersection between genetics, biology and the environment for the development of obesity.
With regards to our fourth objective, another OBCT-associated NCD-risC landmark study examined the 45-year trend in obesity in children, adolescents and adults across Europe; showing encouraging signs in most European countries which experience plateau or even slowdown of obesity in children. In adults, the trend was more heterogenous and differ between countries, and between men and women.
In terms of Maps, we continue to extract and obtain large-scale geographic data on crucial components of the obesogenic environments (food environment, walkability, drivability and sports facilities) at high resolution across the entire European region. We established the validity of food environment data and sports facilities data against local ‘silver standard’ benchmarks and examined their association with health behaviours (dietary behaviours, walking and physical activity) in large population studies across Europe as a means of extra validation for these measures.
In terms of Tools, we have recently co-created an OBCT toolbox for the implementation of national policy recommendations for the prevention of obesity in children. Currently, this toolbox is being improved in terms of design and will be piloted in a few municipalities in Europe.
Internally, we organised a consortium-wide general assembly in Oslo GA in September ‘25 and are currently planning the general assembly in Bilbao in November '26. Externally, we continue to communicate our research output through professional, scientific conferences and social media channels for the general population.
