1. PACO III Aruba, 5 – 7 June 2013 EPODE Population based interventions and Childhood Obesity Prevention Prof. em. Jan Vinck Hasselt University (Belgium)

2. Epode International Network Aims: support community based programs for prevention of (childhood) obesity 4 pillars –political involvement –dual intervention approach –Public-private participation –Scientific basis for intervention and evaluation

3. This presentation “Methodology” : some fundamental aspects - why a community based approach? - implication 1: a dual intervention approach - implication 2: the role of the local project manager

4. Why a community-based approach? (1) Behavior not in a vacuum Behavior is function of situation, of “behavioral context” –physical –social –cultural –cost/benefit (reinforcment structure) We live in an “obesogenic” environment Changing to healthy behavior in this context is maladapted  difficult, non-rewarding and not durable

5. Why a community-based approach? (2°  environment has to be adapted to support and maintain long term healthy behavior  “community” is most interesting environment: - concrete, - involves larger populations - involves relevant actors that control relevant aspects of environment

6. Implication 1 We need a dual intervention approach –social marketing (Dennis Edell) –an environmental approach: change relevant aspects of the environment physical social cultural reinforcement structure (cost/benefit of behavior)

7. Implication 2 The central role of the local project manager (LPM) 1.LPM appointed by local political authority  acts on behalf of the legitimate authority 2. LPM works in direct contact with relevant local actors/stakeholders

8. Role of LPM Adaptation of interventions to local situation and population: -identify relevant populations/subgroups -identify relevant actors (control relevant aspects of environment) -mobilize these actors -inspire local action -organize collaboration

9. Common difficulties for LPM’s time heterogeneous background –behavioral science –skills for community action –skills for project management

10. Support from EIN National/regional management –training + support –preparation of materials for campaigns –(media) visibility EIN –scientific basis –evaluation methodology (“bottom-up”) –taxonomy

11. Proposal An EIN training center for LPM and/or scientific program advisors summer school? research institute? post-graduate course?

12. Thank you