OBCT brings together experts from across Europe to better understand why some people are more likely to develop obesity, and how we can prevent it. A key focus is on reducing health inequalities, as people in lower-income communities are often more exposed to environments that promote obesity and have fewer resources to prevent it.
Since OBCT’s launch in late 2023, partners have been working together on more than 25 studies to uncover how biological, sociocultural and environmental factors interact to influence obesity risk at different life stages, especially in disadvantaged communities. Key achievements of the project include high-profile publications on global and European obesity trends, development of a Europe-wide walkability index and food environment maps, and early versions of a web-based obesity risk screener. We have identified effective policies to reduce obesity inequalities, are co-creating practical tools with local authorities, and are developing an interactive atlas to visualise obesogenic environments.
In September 2025, OBCT partners gathered in Oslo for the latest project General Assembly.
More information can be found on the OBCT website, or read our recently published scientific background publication.
Thank you to Professor Jeroen Lakerveld for providing this project update.
Photo: OBCT partners at the recent project plenary in September.