The European Association for the Study of Obesity
Our partnership with the European Association for the Study of obesity (EASO) has for purpose to advocate for water as a measure to prevent childhood obesity. Healthy habits start early.
Our shared vision
Secure a high level of awareness of the key stakeholders by focusing on driving action to :
- Empowering obesity specialists in implementing prevention actions
- Promoting water as the healthy hydration choice for obesity prevention
Joint mission
Danone Nutricia Research works in partnership with the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) to raise awareness on the importance of Healthy Hydration for the prevention of childhood obesity. In this frame, the Healthy Hydration Working Group (HHWG) was created to define concrete action of research and education on healthy hydration.
Our highlight actions and directions
1. Encourage research effort on healthy hydration
In 2015, the Healthy Hydration Working Group launched the EASO New Investigator United grant to perform Research in the area of healthy hydration and obesity. Maria Wakolbinger (beg.Luger) was selected to undertake a systematic review of studies from 2013 to 2015 on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and weight gain in children and adults.
Know more about Dr. Maria Luger
In 2017, the results of this work were published in a peer review journal here. By reviewing the recent evidence, it suggests that SSB consumption is positively associated with and has an impact on body weight measured in children and adults (add link to the paper on Emerging science).
Moreover, by combining previously published evidence with this new research, it concludes that public health strategies should discourage the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and promote water as the healthy choice. Read Dr. Luger interviews.
2. Train professionals
In 2016, Danone Nutricia Research and EASO collaborated to embed hydration into the annual Train the Trainer Summer School. It aims to deliver high level multidisciplinary training in the prevention and management of obesity. Course content was delivered by European KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) and education experts.
Thirty funded places were made available for this comprehensive training course, which helped increase the knowledge and competencies of experienced European HCPs and PCPs, training participants to develop and implement interventions that treat and prevent obesity at the local and regional level. Today, the training continues and has evolved in 2021 into a digital format, more accessible to everyone around the world.
To know more about the next training date, agenda and application conditions: easo.org.
3. Support and encourage healthy hydration
In 2015, the Healthy Hydration Working Group created two infographics, explaining the importance of drinking water as a healthy choice, and providing tips to help improve consumption in children. These infographics have been prepared for the General Public and for Healthcare Practitioners (HCPs), and translated versions are available via selected EASO Member Associations. Moreover, EASO participated in the development of Splash! designed for children. The project was launched in 2021 to encourage healthy hydration among children using games and fun learning.
Click to download the infographic
Hydration is also problematic when it comes to obesity. During the coronavirus global pandemic, we have developed materials to support people living with obesity to stay hydrated while in lockdown. On a local level, discussion groups were organized to encourage healthier hydration habits.
