This conference will explore the relationship between weight and well-being, moving beyond physical health to consider the psychological, emotional, and social dimensions of children’s lived experiences. Discussions will highlight the importance of addressing weight stigma, mental health, and social belonging as part of a holistic approach to prevention.

The development and prevention of childhood obesity is complex, affecting and challenging the individual, family, and public health levels. It is influenced by a wide range of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors, and addressing it requires coordinated, cross-sectoral efforts that bridge research, policy, and practice. This five-day, single-track international conference will bring together leading researchers from around the world to explore innovative, interdisciplinary strategies for preventing childhood obesity.

At the heart of the conference is a commitment to breaking down disciplinary silos. By integrating perspectives from biology, public health, psychology, sociology, urban planning, and policy, the program encourages dialogue and collaboration across fields that often work in parallel. Through this shared space, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how complex systems shape children’s health, and how we can act together to promote healthy weight and well-being.

Emerging scientific insights into the interaction between the body and brain, including the brain-gut connection and the role of microbiota in early development, are opening new pathways for understanding the biological foundations of weight-related behaviors. These discoveries offer promising directions for interventions that acknowledge how biology and environment together shape children’s choices and health outcomes.

This conference will explore the relationship between weight and well-being, moving beyond physical health to consider the psychological, emotional, and social dimensions of children’s lived experiences. Discussions will highlight the importance of addressing weight stigma, mental health, and social belonging as part of a holistic approach to prevention.

Therefore, the conference will draw on examples from interventions that support both weight and well-being, in schools, families, healthcare, and communities. Putting a spotlight on protective factors and successful programs that aim not only to reduce obesity but also to enhance quality of life, equity, and resilience in children’s daily environments.

Understanding the causes and mechanisms of inequality in weight will be a central focus of the conference. Social determinants such as income, education, neighborhood context, and cultural norms have a profound impact on children’s health trajectories. Tackling childhood obesity means confronting these broader systems of vulnerability and addressing disparities at their root.

Approaching the system to understand the complexity and interplay of factors related to childhood obesity allows exploration of the complexity of biological, behavioral and structural factors. This system’s thinking is key to designing interventions that are both effective and sustainable, and everyday settings need to make them realistic systems change. Sessions will highlight how schools, municipalities, healthcare providers, and civil society organizations can work together to create healthier environments. Emphasis will be placed on collaboration, local relevance, and the long-term sustainability of prevention efforts.

Finally, the conference will address the potential of working on national structural prevention, including the influence of commercial actors such as the food industry, advertisers, and digital platforms on children’s behaviors and preferences. There will be examples on how policy and regulation can support healthier choices and protect children’s well-being at a societal level.

This conference offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and collaborate across disciplines. Together, we can advance our understanding—and our action—toward a future where all children can thrive.

Scientific Committee: 

Nina Geiker (Chair)
Teresa Holmberg
Christoffer Clemmensen
Mette Skovgaard Væver
Berit Lilienthal Heitmann
Jane Martin
Harry Rutter

Submit your abstract here: https://app.oxfordabstracts.com/stages/79881/submitter

The 34th Novo Nordisk Foundation Science Cluster Conference, Prevention of Childhood Obesity: Body, Brain & Society taking place at Favrholm Campus in Hillerød, Denmark, from 16-20 March 2026, organised in collaboration with the Centre for Childhood Health.

Hosted by the Novo Nordisk Foundation Science Cluster, this high-profile conference series brings together world-leading scientists to engage in high-level discussions on timely and complex scientific areas. This edition will explore the multifaceted nature of childhood obesity through the lenses of biology, behavior, and society—highlighting the urgent need for interdisciplinary collaboration to address this global health issue. We are truly looking forward to hosting this edition of our conference series!

Disclaimer regarding conflict of interests

The Novo Nordisk Foundation and Novo Nordisk A/S, the pharmaceutical company, are two separate legal entities, each with its own management and strategy. The Novo Nordisk Foundation is an independent Danish enterprise foundation with philanthropic objectives. Novo Nordisk A/S is a publicly listed company with an independent board of directors.

The Novo Nordisk Foundation’s grants are awarded for non-commercial, charitable purposes. The Foundation also has rules regarding conflicts of interest in connection with the awarding of grants, which are intended to ensure objectivity and transparency in the grant process.

The activities of the Novo Nordisk Foundation are therefore independent of Novo Nordisk A/S, and Novo Nordisk A/S cannot decide what the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s funds are awarded to.

Lastly, the Novo Nordisk Foundation does not influence or interfere with the research presented at our Scientific Conferences and has no role in determining the contents presented by the participants.

You can learn more about the ownership structure of the Novo Group here, as well as our Policy on Engaged Ownership of Novo Group Companies here.

Speakers