Over the past decades, obesity has reached epidemic proportions, now affecting more than 1 billion people worldwide. Childhood obesity, in particular, is rising at an alarming rate. According to the World Obesity Federation, the number of children with obesity is expected to double between 2020 and 2035.
Obesity carries serious health consequences, strains national healthcare systems, and reduces overall quality of life. Despite significant efforts, obesity rates continue to rise, highlighting the need for concerted action.
In response to this growing health crisis, nine EU-backed projects have joined forces in an unprecedented collaborative effort, leading to the formation of OBEClust: the European Cluster of Obesity Research Projects. These innovative research projects focus on identifying risk factors associated with overweight and obesity, promoting prevention and behavioral interventions, as well as developing personalised solutions to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle throughout life.