idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Second phase for the EU-Project on prevention of children obesity has started
Why are children obese? What can be done to avoid overweight and obesity? Together with in total 23 partners from Spain to Estonia, Sweden to Cyprus, the IDEFICS project is investigating the factors inducing overweight in children. This study is funded by the European Commission. This largest European study investigating the causes of obesity will also develop prevention programmes.
Started a year ago, IDEFICS is coordinated by the Bremen Institute of Prevention Research and Social Medicine, University of Bremen, Germany. The first project phase was very successful. With the general assembly, the first experiences and advancements were presented. The main focus is the current survey, which collects nutrition- and lifestyle habits. The first year was to generate a European overview and to identify common risk factors. Current attention is drawn on nutrition, exercise and stress reduction.
"IDEFICS gets a lot of attention in the academic world" was the unanimous notion of the reviewers. To affirm a better implementation, local advisory boards are created. Their recommendations are much valued, because they represent the regional perspective. Especially the status reports of the field work generated a fascinating comparison on the European level. The Bremen research group got support by local bakeries donating a breakfast, and by local transport companies offering a free ride for all parents and children participating in the survey.
The Italians found a great interest in the study upon the recommendation of a local priest. In Sweden and Hungary the contact to teachers and organizers seem to be important. These regional specialties underline the study's acceptance. This will lead to comparable data of some 17.000 children (two to ten years old). The current position is enfolded by biological data, lifestyle and nutrition habits. In addition, a telephone hotline supports all of the participants.
Ragnhild Münch
About IDEFICS (Identification and prevention of Dietary- and lifestyle-induced health Effects in Children and infants): A short study description of IDEFICS and the essential key facts can be found on http://www.ideficsstudy.eu in the subsection media expert
Further information:
Universität Bremen
Bremer Institut für Präventionsforschung und Sozialmedizin (BIPS)
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Ahrens (Koordinator)
Linzer Straße 10
D-28359 Bremen
Tel.: +49 421 59 59 6-32
Fax :+49 421 59 59 6-68
E-Mail: idefics@bips.uni-bremen.de
http://www.bips.uni-bremen.de
Criteria of this press release:
Medicine, Nutrition / healthcare / nursing
transregional, national
Research projects
English
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