THE BODY PROJECT - CHANGING ATTITUDES, PROMOTING HEALTH (CHATPRO)

CONTEXT
Young Europeans face problems of overweight and obesity. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of overweight and obesity among European children and adolescents has continued to increase in recent decades. In 2016, the WHO reported that about 1 in 3 adolescents in Europe was overweight or obese. The causes of overweight and obesity in young people are complex and multifactorial, and include a combination of genetic, environmental and behavioral factors. Some of the key factors contributing to this problem are changes in dietary patterns, decreased physical activity, and increased sedentary behavior.

Overweight and obesity in young people can have serious health consequences, including an increased risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers and mental illnesses. In addition, overweight and obese youth may suffer social, psychological and economic consequences, such as bullying, decreased self-esteem and reduced educational and employment opportunities.

Several studies have shown that being bullied in childhood can be associated in the long term with lower psychological well-being in adulthood. However, while incidents of bullying often focus on the victim's body and appearance, research has overlooked the study of victims' long-term body image development and risk of eating disorders later in life. This 14-year longitudinal research project examined bullying in childhood in relation to body image development and eating disorders in emerging adulthood. Analyses of the body image growth curve of participants between the ages of 10 and 21 (N = 960) revealed that the most victimized children experienced greater body dissatisfaction at baseline and maintained their negative body image throughout adolescence and adulthood. Mediation analyses showed that bullying in childhood (10 years) predicted a more negative body image in adolescence (18 years), which in turn predicted more eating disorders in adulthood (24 years). The indirect effect was greater in girls than in boys. The results suggest that bullied children are likely to face more body image issues and eating disorders as they evolve into adolescence and adulthood, indicating the need for early and effective interventions. The incorporation of components known to promote a more positive body image could be a valuable feature of future interventions. Thus, while children and adolescents are taught to deal with bullying situations, they could also be helped to deal with the culture of appearance that permeates many of these situations. Gattario, Kristina Holmqvist et al. "Life after childhood bullying: Body image development and disordered eating in adulthood." International Journal of Behavioral Development 44 (2020): 246 - 255.

The prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity in young people is a public health priority and requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying causes of the problem. This includes promoting healthy eating habits, increasing physical activity, and creating supportive environments that facilitate healthy behaviors.

OBJECTIVE:
Promote mental well-being and a positive body image among young people aged 18 to 24 who suffer from serious problems of overweight and/or obesity.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
Increase knowledge and awareness of the importance of mental well-being and positive body image in 1) young people with severe overweight and obesity problems and 2) young people in general.

Identify and challenge negative attitudes and beliefs about body image and weight that can lead to unhealthy behaviours and social exclusion.

Develop skills and strategies to build a positive body image and self-esteem in relation to healthy living and well-being.

Promote inclusive and supportive environments that foster positive body image and mental well-being among young people suffering from severe overweight and obesity problems.

Encourage participants to share their experiences and support each other in building positive body image and mental well-being in relation to healthy living and well-being.

ABOUT PARTICIPANTS
Age: Participants are young people between 18 and 30 years old to have more or less people of the same age range to ensure the cohesion of information and shared experience. Group leaders will be 18+ years old.
The group: 38 young people in total from 6 countries (6 from each partner country including a group leader and 8 from Spain) plus 2 facilitators to form a group of 40 participants.
Less opportunities: +12 participants (+2 per each country)
Motivation: Participants should be motivated to improve their mental well-being and body image. They should be interested in learning new skills, engaging in physical activity, and making positive lifestyle changes.

Overweight/Obesity: The participants in our activity are young people who experience a serious problem of overweight or obesity or be relatives or friends of people who experience this problem, since this is the target population of the program. However, it is important to note that the program is inclusive and not stigmatizing, so participants will not be defined solely by their weight. The young people who attend our activity show a great interest in the topics and a great motivation to share their ideas on how this problem can be addressed to reduce the negative impact on the health and well-being of others.
Open-mindedness: Participants are open to new experiences and willing to learn from others. They are willing to interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds, and to explore different ways of thinking and being.

Interpersonal skills: Participants have the ability to communicate effectively and work well in groups. They are respectful of others, know how to listen and support their peers and are willing to collaborate on group projects.

Resilience: Participants can work to face challenges and setbacks, and be willing to persist in the face of adversity. This is especially important for those who have had mental health or body image issues in the past.
It is important to note that Erasmus Plus Youth Exchanges are designed to be inclusive and offer opportunities to young people from diverse backgrounds. Therefore, the program will be accessible to participants of all genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, religions and socioeconomic backgrounds.