The PAS GRAS Project has been featured by CORDIS, the European Commission’s primary platform for communicating the results of EU-funded research and innovation projects. The article highlights the project's innovative approach to preventing obesity and promoting healthier lifestyles across Europe.
Obesity remains one of Europe's most significant public health challenges, affecting millions of children, adolescents, and young adults while increasing the risk of numerous chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mental health disorders, and several types of cancer. Recognising that obesity is driven by a complex interaction of biological, behavioural, social, and environmental factors, PAS GRAS is developing innovative solutions that shift the focus from treatment to prevention.
Since its launch in 2023, PAS GRAS has been working to identify individuals at risk of obesity at an earlier stage and support them through personalised, evidence-based prevention strategies. By combining scientific research, digital innovation and community-based approaches, the project aims to improve science and health literacy, encourage healthier lifestyles, and contribute to more effective and sustainable public health policies.
One of the project's major achievements is the development of the Risk Assessment Tool (RAT), an innovative platform that integrates biological, lifestyle, mental health and socioeconomic data to provide a more comprehensive assessment of obesity risk. This tool will support earlier identification of individuals at risk and enable more targeted and personalised prevention strategies.
Alongside its scientific developments, PAS GRAS has been actively engaging communities through awareness campaigns, educational resources and pilot activities involving children, adolescents, young adults and families, helping to translate research into meaningful societal impact.
The article also highlights the project's recent recognition at the World Obesity Day 2025 Awards, where PAS GRAS received the EASO ECPO Award for Excellence in Social Media Engagement. In addition, OBEClust, the European Cluster of Obesity Research Projects of which PAS GRAS is a member, was recognised with the Best Collaborative Project Award, acknowledging the value of collaboration between European obesity research initiatives.
Looking ahead, PAS GRAS will continue to enhance the Risk Assessment Tool, develop a simplified version for wider public use, implement personalised prevention programmes in collaboration with schools, healthcare providers and local communities, and advance the development of innovative nutraceutical formulations based on bioactive compounds from the Mediterranean diet.
The CORDIS feature recognises PAS GRAS as one of the European projects contributing to a healthier future through innovative, evidence-based approaches to obesity prevention.
Adapted from CORDIS.