The European Association for the Study of Obesity warmly welcomes the publication of the European Commission’s Healthier Together Initiative and congratulates the European Commission on providing a solid basis on which to proceed.
The Initiative was launched in December 2021 to support EU countries in identifying and implementing effective policies and actions to reduce the burden of major NCDs and improve citizens’ health and well-being.
The initiative covers the 2022-2027 period and includes 5 strands:
- health determinants
- cardiovascular diseases
- diabetes
- chronic respiratory diseases
- mental health and neurological disorders
As an association of researchers and health practitioners, also in formal relations with WHO-EURO and with a footprint which spans WHO-EURO 36 as well as the majority of EU-27 our members are acutely aware of the intricacies and urgent need to have a coordinated approach to treating and long-term management of obesity.
We are therefore delighted to note that many of our recommendations and consultative inputs have been taken on board and recognised as a need by EU Member States. Specifically:
- The acknowledgement that other specifically prioritised NCDs are all major medical complications of obesity.
- The acknowledgement that primary prevention of the prioritised NCDs will necessitate secondary prevention (treatment and long-term management) of obesity
- The acknowledgement that addressing the onset as well as slowing or managing disease progression will take medical as well as lifestyle (self-management) interventions and related policies.
EASO and our community will continue to engage in the co-creation process with the European Commission as the initiative moves towards refinement of policy recommendations and implementation at territorial, national and supranational levels.
Contact:
Jacqueline Bowman-Busato
EASO Policy Lead
Email: jbowman@easo.org