Nestle has joined scientific and public health experts in calling for the creation of more community-based programmes to prevent childhood obesity. The company is taking part in the Global Obesity Forum in New York to discuss evidence suggesting multi-stakeholder collaborations promoting healthy nutrition and physical activity are among the most successful ways to address the issue.

The event aims to provide international stakeholders committed to the prevention of childhood obesity with an important opportunity to share knowledge and best practices. It is the first major forum organised by the EPODE International Network (EIN), the world’s largest obesity prevention network.

All members of the EIN – which connects community-based obesity prevention programmes in 25 countries including Australia, Brazil, Chile and Poland – will be represented at the forum. The network’s goal is to support 40 large-scale community-based programmes on five continents by 2015.

“Childhood obesity is a complex problem driven by multiple social, economic and environmental factors,” says Janet Voute, Nestle’s global head of public affairs. “If we are to tackle this major public health issue effectively we need a multi-sector response and Nestle firmly believes industry has a vital role to play in this.”

She continues: “We are convinced the best way to leverage our capabilities and expertise is by working in partnership with other organisations to help promote healthy nutrition and physical activity through community-based programmes.”

Government officials from a number of countries will attend the forum, along with representatives from leading institutions including the United States’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Trust forAmerica’s Health. Experts from a variety of fields including genetics, behavioural science, economics, and politics will also participate.