Editorial: Eat well, drink well, move . . . A small step for you, a big step for Europe

On September 17, 2013, the International Chair on Cardiometabolic Risk organized a one-day special conference which brought together international experts, politicians, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and stakeholders. This unique event was held at the European Parliament in Brussels.

Obesity is a lifestyle disease that is becoming one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21th century. Unless we make significant changes to both our diet and lifestyle, obesity will continue to rise in Europe. The solution to this problem must include the three following elements: Eat well, drink well, and move. Europe could play a key leadership role in this battle against societal chronic diseases. The objective of this full day meeting was to discuss simple and pragmatic recommendations based on scientific evidence which could be translated to all European citizens.

The launch of the European Alliance for Lifestyle Changes concluded this successful conference. The objective of the Alliance is to favour the interaction between scientists and politicians, relevant stakeholders and NGOs in the European Union.

For more information about the conference, please consult the PDF version of the conference report as well as photos of the conference.