More than 4500 delegates from around the world gathered in Istanbul, Türkiye, for the 33rd European Congress on Obesity (ECO), held from 12 to 15 May 2026 and hosted by the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO). Bringing together leading experts in obesity research, the congress explored some of the most challenges in the field, fostering lively discussion, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among clinicians, researchers, and public health professionals.
The programme covered a range of topics, including integrated chronic disease care, childhood obesity, psychological behaviour and mental health in obesity, the importance of incorporating patient perspectives and addressing bias and obesity stigma.
Among the experts sharing their latest research and insights, the BETTER4U project was represented by the Harokopio University of Athens (HUA) and the Centre for Studies and Research in Social Dynamics and Health (CEIDSS) teams. They participated in the poster sessions, presenting findings from the BETTER4ALL seven-country (Portugal, Greece, Sweden, Cyprus, France, Poland, and Spain) pilot study, as well as results from the sociodemographic characteristics of Portuguese participants involved in the BETTER4U pilot study.
The two BETTER4U posters focused on:
- Country-Specific Patterns of Accessibility, Appropriateness, and Feasibility of a Digital Obesity Prevention Platform (Maria Kafyra, HUA)
- Sociodemographic Profile and Lifestyle Behaviours of Portuguese Participants in the pilot study of BETTER4U (Ana Rito, CEIDSS)
From cutting-edge research and clinical innovation, the congress reinforced the need to place obesity care at the centre of broader non-communicable disease strategies in clinical practice, research, prevention, and policymaking at both national and European levels, highlighting the growing importance of personalised and person-centred obesity management.
In line with the challenges introduced during the congress, BETTER4U aims to address obesity through a tailored and evidence-based approach that leverages an AI-driven tool for personalised nutrition, dietary recommendations and obesity management, reflecting on the complex and multifactorial nature of obesity development.
As a continuation of this year’s discussion, BETTER4U has been invited to ECO 2027, which will take place in Munich, Germany.
More information: https://eco2027.org/
