ECEESPE2025 Poster Presentations MTEabolism, Nutrition and Obesity (125 abstracts)
Educational cartoon in the podiacar PROject: an approach to combat paediatric obesity
Valeria Calcaterra 1 , 2 , Virginia Rossi 1 , Stefano Conca Bonizzoni 3 , Giulia Fiore 1 , Martina Tosi 1 , Elvira Verduci 1 , 4 , Savina Mannarino 1 , Matteo Vandoni 5 , Luca Marin 5 , Alessandro Gatti 5 , Caterina Cavallo 5 , Vittoria Carnevale Pellino 5 , Cristina Campoy 6 , Mireia Escudero Marín 6 , Rocío Bonillo León 6 , Valter Pagani 7 , Camilo Corbellini 8 & Gianvincenzo Zuccotti & 9
1Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Department of Paediatrics, Milan, Italy; 2University of Pavia, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Pavia, Italy; 3University of Pavia, Department of Humanities, Pavia, Italy; 4University of Milan, Department of Health Sciences, Milan, Italy; 5University of Pavia, Laboratory of Adapted Motor Activity (LAMA), Department of Public Health, Experimental Medicine and Forensic Science, Pavia, Italy; 6University of Granada, Department of Paediatrics, Granada, Spain; 7Asomi College of Science, Grant and Research Department, Pembroke, Malta; 8LUNEX University, Differdange, Luxembourg; 9University of Milan, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Milan, Italy
JOINT1915
Aims: Pediatric obesity is an escalating global health concern with profound physical and psychological impacts, both in the short and long term. The EU-funded initiative, "Fight against Pediatric Obesity: from a Predictive Tool for Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Risk to Healthy Educational Programs" (PODiaCar), seeks to address childhood obesity through a comprehensive, multidimensional strategy. A key component of this project is the development of educational cartoons aimed at encouraging healthy lifestyle behaviors among children.
Methods: The interdisciplinary PODiaCar team collaborated with Officine Creative at the University of Pavia, Italy, to create the cartoon. Essential messages about nutrition and lifestyle were derived from an extensive literature review and refined with expert insights to ensure they were engaging, age-appropriate, and free from stigmatization. The storyline and characters were carefully designed, using clear language and visually appealing graphics to effectively capture children’s attention and facilitate learning.
Results: The outcome of this effort is "Grandma Wilma’s Tales, " an engaging animated story centered around Grandma Wilma and her grandson Charlie, who is initially reluctant to adopt healthier eating habits. The first episode introduces Vitto and his dog Buzz, illustrating the negative effects of poor diet and inactivity while highlighting the advantages of a balanced lifestyle. By using a positive and relatable approach, the cartoon helps children connect with the characters and internalize key messages about nutrition and physical activity.
Conclusions: This educational cartoon fosters awareness of the importance of a balanced diet and regular physical activity while ensuring a non-stigmatizing approach. By creating an engaging and relatable learning environment, the series motivates children to embrace healthier daily habits.
Volume 110
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Endocrine Abstracts
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