Brussels, 08/04/2011 (Agence Europe) - The problem of obesity among children is increasingly becoming a European issue. During the second symposium of the EPODE (Ensemble Prévenons l'Obésité des Enfants - Together Let's Prevent Childhood Obesity), results of research were presented on the method developed by EPODE, carried out for three years by four European universities. Created in 2008 with the support of the European Commission, the network presents recommendations and coordinates action programmes. Pilot projects have already been developed in France, Belgium, Spain and other European countries participating in the counter-obesity project. The study carried out by Belgian, Dutch, Spanish and French university teams looks at preventing obesity among the very young, with research being carried out in four areas: 1) involvement of political representatives; 2) scientific evaluation and dissemination; 3) methods and social marketing; and 4) public-private partnerships. By way of conclusion, it shows that political commitment at a local level is essential to the success of any EPODE-type prevention programme. Scientific evaluation is also fundamental for enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of the programme. Furthermore, the study report shows that close cooperation between the national coordination team and the local project leaders, stakeholders and population is a key factor in the successful planning and implementation of actions that are sustainable over time. Finally, public-private partnerships are beneficial if they manage to create a transparent area of dialogue. (I.L./transl.jl)