(STOP MetSyn) Using Indicators to Influence Consumer Behaviour and Prevent Pre-Disease Through Food and Lifestyle-related Interventions

Project summary

Metabolic Syndrome (MetSyn) is the combination of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess fat mass around the waist, high cholesterol and high blood lipid levels. Having these conditions is associated with increased risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes with such diseases accounting for 86% of deaths in Europe. MetSyn and related diseases are often linked to eating high-calorie, high sugar, low-fibre and processed foods combined with the lack of physical activity. At least 25% of adults suffer from MetSyn, while many more exhibit (several of the) risk factors without knowing. By reversing these conditions, among other factors through awareness on the health import and supporting changes in consumer behaviour, it is possible to decrease the prevalence and in the future prevent the development of MetSyn as well as of more serious diseases.

The project STOP MetSyn aims to help up to 100 million European consumers who appear healthy but may exhibit one or more of the conditions linked to MetSyn. It will deliver methods, tools and strategies to create awareness and help consumers make better choices in their eating and lifestyle habits.