Evidence for gender responsive actions to prevent and manage overweight and obesity

The WHO Regional Office for Europe supports Member States in improving adolescent health by recommending comprehensive, multisectoral and evidence-informed adolescent health approaches; by delineating the critical contribution of the health sector; by fostering actions towards reducing inequalities; and by addressing gender as a key determinant of adolescent health. This publication aims to support this work in the framework of the European strategy for child and adolescent health and development, and is part of the WHO Regional Office for Europe contribution to the development of a new policy framework for Europe, Health 2020, for which the WHO Regional Office for Europe has been mandated by the 53 Member States. The publication summarizes current knowledge on what works in preventing and managing overweight and obesity. It is part of a series that includes social and emotional well-being, chronic conditions and disabilities, adolescent pregnancy, HIV/STIs, overweight and obesity, violence, injuries and substance abuse. The publication assumes the position that young people’s health is the responsibility of the whole society, and that interventions need to be gender responsive in order to be successful. It therefore looks at actions at various levels, such as cross-sector policies, families and communities actions, and interventions by health systems and health services. The publication does not prescribe nor recommend any particular course of action, which needs to be informed by the country specific context. It rather provides a basis to stimulate countries to further refine national policies so that they contribute effectively to the health and well-being of young people.