New Global Initiative Introduced By Novo Nordisk To Prevent Childhood Obesity In Urban Communities

Novo Nordisk has launched a global initiative to overcome childhood obesity. The Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative focuses on disadvantaged urban communities worldwide. This initiative aims to work with city governments, academic institutions, and non-profit organisations to design, implement, and evaluate tailored interventions that promote physical activity and healthy/clean eating in six selected cities.

The initiative is built on a solid, evidence-based framework to evaluate the impact of these interventions. Key metrics such as health-related quality of life, changes in behaviour, and body mass index (BMI) will be tracked in children aged 6-13, with baseline data and follow-ups conducted one and two years after the interventions. The study will utilize a controlled design, comparing a target group receiving the intervention with a control group in each city, aiming to gather data from about 1,000 children per group.

Katrine DiBona, Global Head of Sustainability & Public Affairs at Novo Nordisk, said in a statement, “Childhood obesity is rising at alarming rates all over the world, putting the health and well-being of this and future generations at risk. With a focus on disadvantaged urban communities, the Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative will provide important evidence and a unique data-led framework to support city leaders in preventing childhood obesity.” 

With more than a decade of experience in city-based prevention programs, this initiative will be first launched in six cities across Spain, France, Canada, Brazil, South Africa and Japan.