European initiatives: HELENA and IDEFICS study

Background:

Altered environmental and social conditions have contributed to the development of overweight/obesity and related comorbid conditions through unhealthy dietary habits and reduced physical activity. The IDEFICS study (Identification and prevention of dietary- and lifestyle-induced health effects in children and infants) is an epidemiological prevention study within the 6th EU framework to investigate the complex interplay of causal factors and to develop evidence-based intervention modules that counteract the epidemic of diet- and lifestyle-induced morbidity. Methods: Using a standardized set of measurements and instruments a population-based cohort of 17.000 children aged 2 to 10 years will be surveyed in nine European countries. A culturally adapted, setting-oriented intervention programme addressing stress, dietary habits and physical activity will be developed, implemented. Its effectiveness will be evaluated over 2.5 years in a controlled design.

Results:

IDEFICS compares ethnic, regional and sex-specific distributions of the above disorders and their key risk factors in children across Europe. The impact of lifestyle and environmental factors, food preferences and differences in sensory perception and children’s consumer behaviour are elucidated. Risk profile inventories for children susceptible to obesity and its co-morbid conditions are identified. Guidelines for health promotion and disease prevention are developed and implemented in controlled intervention studies.Conclusions: Public health actions to prevent diet- and lifestyle related disorders require an evidence- based set of guidelines, taking into account ethnic and social variations which shall be provided by the IDEFICS study.