European obesity research cluster wins EASO Award for collaborative innovation

Last Updated : 04 March 2026

Brussels, 4th March, 2026 – In occasion of World Obesity Day, the European Cluster of Obesity Research Projects (OBEClust) has been recognised with the EASO Award for Best Collaborative Project at the World Obesity Day Europe Awards 2025. Presented by the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), the award honours the collaboration of nine EU-funded projects joining forces to advance obesity prevention research across Europe.

A European cluster addressing obesity together

Launched in 2025, OBEClust brings together nine Horizon Europe-funded projects: PAS GRAS, BIO-STREAMS, OBCT, eprObes, Obelisk, CoDiet, BETTER4U, SHIFT2HEALTH, and HealthyW8. Together, they address obesity from multiple angles – from childhood prevention and early identification to behavioural interventions, risk determinants and diet-related non-communicable diseases.

Since its launch, OBEClust has implemented joint activities including:

• A coordinated press initiative reaching more than two million people
• A Brussels workshop marking World Obesity Day 2025
• Two public webinars exploring the role of artificial intelligence in obesity prevention and strengthening the understanding of obesity as a chronic disease 
• Aligned digital campaigns to amplify evidence-based messages

These actions demonstrate how coordinated European research can move beyond isolated projects towards a shared and strategic response to obesity

BETTER4U: advancing personalised obesity prevention

Among the contributing projects, BETTER4U (2023–2027) plays a key role in early identification and prevention. Coordinated by the Harokopio University of Athens and led by Professor George Dedoussis, the four-year Horizon Europe project brings together 28 partner organisations across 18 European countries.

BETTER4U seeks to better understand how genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors interact to influence weight gain and obesity risk. Building on this knowledge, the project is developing and evaluating sustainable, personalised lifestyle interventions for adults living with overweight or obesity.

A major upcoming milestone is the BETTER4ALL randomised controlled trial (RCT), which will test a new personalised weight management approach. The study combines lifestyle support with AI-driven insights and real-time monitoring tools to tailor interventions to individual needs. The findings are expected to inform future European prevention strategies and contribute to more personalised and sustainable public health approaches.

Professor George Dedoussis, BETTER4U Coordinator, said:

“On World Obesity Day, we are reminded that meaningful progress requires both scientific excellence and respectful public dialogue. Obesity is a chronic and complex condition that demands sustained action and a coordinated European response. The award recognising OBEClust’s collaborative approach encourages us to continue building bridges between research, policy and practice.”

Coordinators of the OBEClust projects meeting in Brussels, September 2025

Strengthening Europe’s scientific voice

Obesity remains one of Europe’s most pressing public health challenges. In many European countries, more than half of adults live with overweight or obesity, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. Beyond its human impact, obesity places a growing strain on healthcare systems and national economies. Addressing such a complex, chronic and multifactorial condition requires coordinated, evidence-based and systems-oriented approaches rather than isolated interventions.

By fostering collaboration across nine major EU-funded projects, OBEClust demonstrates how European research can move beyond fragmented efforts towards aligned action with greater societal impact.

As World Obesity Day calls for action, OBEClust and its projects reaffirm their commitment to advancing rigorous science, transparent communication and practical solutions that support policymakers, healthcare professionals and citizens alike.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               ENDS

Background 

About OBEClust 
OBEClust – The European Cluster of Obesity Research Projects – is a network of nine EU-funded projects collaborating to strengthen and align research, outputs and impact in obesity prevention across Europe. The cluster spans prevention across the life course, early identification, behavioural interventions, obesity determinants and diet-related non-communicable diseases. 

About BETTER4U 
BETTER4U is a Horizon Europe-funded project (2023–2027) aiming to develop comprehensive research and innovative, personalised interventions to address and prevent obesity across the lifespan. The project is coordinated by Harokopio University of Athens and runs in seven EU countries. 

Contacts 

BETTER4U Communication Manager 
Stephan Kampshoff 
stephan.kampshoff@eufic.org