The EU-funded PAS GRAS project is developing innovative tools and strategies to prevent and reduce obesity in Europe
Health
Obesity is one of Europe’s most pressing public health challenges, affecting millions of young children, adolescents and young adults. It is a well-known fact that it opens the door to a wide range of conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, mental health disorders and at least 13 different types of cancer, all contributing to premature death and disability. Beyond that, it also costs Europe hundreds of billions of euro each year.
Despite growing awareness, prevention remains difficult, partly because of a lack of health literacy, but mainly because obesity is driven by a complex combination of biological, behavioural, social and environmental factors. With this in mind, and given that obesity levels are expected to rise substantially by 2050, the PAS GRAS project has set out to improve health literacy, promote healthier lifestyles, and reduce the long-term burden on individuals and healthcare systems.
Shifting the focus to proactive prevention
Since its launch in 2023, PAS GRAS has been working to prevent and reduce obesity through strategies that identify individuals at risk earlier and support them with personalised, evidence-based strategies tailored to their needs. The project integrates scientific research, digital tools and community-based approaches to support healthier lifestyles, improve health literacy, and contribute to more effective and sustainable prevention strategies, while also helping shape Europe-wide policies.
“By understanding obesity risk earlier and acting in a personalised way, PAS GRAS aims to empower people and communities to take control of their health and build healthier futures,” states Paulo Oliveira, lead researcher at the University of Coimbra’s Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology in Portugal.
In the last three years, PAS GRAS has made strong progress in its core scientific and technological outputs. A key achievement is the development of its innovative Risk Assessment Tool (RAT) that integrates biological parameters, lifestyle, mental well-being and socio-economic context to better understand and predict obesity risk. This more comprehensive assessment of obesity risk makes more effective and targeted prevention possible.
PAS GRAS has also developed frameworks for personalised interventions that combine lifestyle changes with clinical insights. Actions taken to improve health literacy have included actively engaging communities through awareness campaigns, educational materials, and pilot activities targeting children, adolescents and families.
Leveraging strengths for the road ahead
In recognition of its impact and communication efforts, PAS GRAS was awarded by EASO ECPO(opens in new window) at the World Obesity Day 2025 Awards for excellence in social media engagement. In addition, OBEClust – the European Cluster of Obesity Research Projects, of which PAS GRAS is a member – received the award for best collaborative project, highlighting the strength of the partnerships and networking approach across participating European projects.
Next on the agenda is further developing its RAT, as well as a simplified, user-friendly version for non-clinical use, and implementing personalised interventions in close collaboration with schools, healthcare providers and community organisations. Additionally, PAS GRAS plans to develop innovative nutraceutical formulations based on different bioactive molecules found in the Mediterranean diet. By 2028, PAS GRAS (DE-RISKING METABOLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL DETERMINANTS OF OBESITY IN CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS) expects to help reduce the prevalence of obesity and its associated complications, improve quality of life, and make healthcare systems across Europe more sustainable and cost-effective.
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