On 2 October, partner University Clinical Center Maribor (UKCM) from Slovenia, hosted a press conference to outline the ambitions, priorities, and main aspects of the BIO-STREAMS project aimed at addressing childhood obesity. Key experts were invited to discuss the initiative in front of the media.
Prof. Nataša Marčun Varda, MD, PhD, Medical Director, emphasised that “obesity has become the number one chronic disease in childhood” and highlighted the need for primary prevention to avoid the need for secondary and tertiary measures. Prof. Jernej Dolinšek, MD, PhD, Head of the University Division of Paediatrics, echoed this sentiment, stressing a multidisciplinary approach that considers not just the individual but society as a whole.
Prim. mag. Martin Bigec, MD, Head Researcher for the BIO-STREAMS project, addressed the critical issue of stigma. He noted that obesity is often seen as a result of poor dietary habits and laziness, but should be recognised as a disease. He warned that stigma negatively impacts children and adolescents, who are the primary stakeholders of the project.
To ensure effective engagement, Prim. mag. Martin Bigec highlighted the importance of adopting new approaches that appeal to children by using digital tools, emphasising the need for family involvement. He stated, “without collaboration with the microsocial environment, we cannot achieve results.”
Clinical Coordinator for the BIO-STREAMS project Izidor Mlakar provided an in-depth look at the project’s structure, which has two main components: a biological focus involving a digital biobank to study biological and social mechanisms, and a societal focus through school pilot programs in selected EU countries aimed at prevention and behavior change. He stressed that these components are designed to work together, integrating technology to engage both children and their families and provide practical solutions. Alignment between healthcare providers, schools, and families is essential for promoting healthy eating habits. He concluded saying: “This is what we want to connect: the biological problem with the social problem, so that we can provide recommendations that families and children can implement together, even with their peers.”