BIO-STREAMS is pleased to launch a video series to highlight the diverse expertise within the project’s consortium. This Horizon Europe project, active from May 2023 to April 2027, unites 30 partners from various fields with one mission in common: addressing childhood obesity in a sustainable and effective way. Through these videos, partners will outline their roles, share their vision, and discuss future priorities.
In our first video, Clinical Coordinator Izidor Mlakar from the Maribor University Medical Center (UKCM), Slovenia, introduces BIO-STREAMS and its mission.
Childhood Obesity: A Concern that needs addressing
Childhood obesity is a pressing issue. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 were overweight in 2022, with 160 million living with obesity. Adolescent obesity has quadrupled globally since 1990.
Recognised as a chronic disease, obesity has wide-ranging implications; from type 2 diabetes and heart disease to an increased risk of cancer, among others. Both biological and societal factors contribute to the condition, requiring a comprehensive approach to prevention and treatment.
Why BIO-STREAMS? A Multidisciplinary Approach
Given the complexity of obesity, BIO-STREAMS adopts a multilayered, multidisciplinary approach that aims to:
- Understand biological factors: a core element is the development of a Biobank that collects standardised datasets from various countries. These datasets will include biological, wellbeing, socioeconomic, and environmental data.
- Provide behavioral and lifestyle insights: the project seeks to connect biological insights to behavioral changes, enabling targeted interventions.
In addition, BIO-STREAMS will develop a dedicated platform, the Obesity Platform, hosting tools for knowledge sharing, risk assessment, and personalised lifestyle recommendations.
Supporting families and caregivers
Families play a pivotal role in addressing childhood obesity and often serve as the starting point for meaningful change. BIO-STREAMS aims to implement personalised solutions for children and families, ensuring that these strategies are practical and actionable. Community engagement and feedback are key to creating effective solutions.
Leveraging digital tools
A significant focus of BIO-STREAMS is a the development of a user-friendly and personalised app to help children and families adopt healthy habits. This tool will serve both preventive and management purposes, benefiting children with and without obesity.
Through this innovative and holistic approach, BIO-STREAMS seeks to offer sustainable, long-term solutions for addressing childhood obesity at its core.
Watch the video for a deeper dive into the project’s mission and vision!