
Determinants of Diet and Physical Activity
RESEARCH PROJECT
Determinants of Diet and Physical Activity
Knowledge Hub to Integrate and Develop Infrastructure for Research Across Europe (DEDIPAC KH)


Duration of Research Project: December 2013 - December 2016
We already know a lot about the impact of healthy eating and physical activity on wellbeing as well as on longevity and quality of life. Therefore it is surprising that still so many people lead unhealthy lifestyles, which negatively influence their wellness and socially generate expenses for state budgets? Researchers from SWPS University, in collaboration with scholars representing various countries and scientific disciplines, will study what influences people’s choice of diet and level of physical activity and will develop an online platform containing best practices and research tools that will help to harmonize research between European countries.
Project Description
Project Objectives
The aim of the project is to understand the determinants of diet and physical activity using a broad multidisciplinary approach, including biological, ecological, psychological, sociological, economic and other socio-economic perspectives, and their interrelationships and to translate this knowledge into a more effective promotion of a healthy diet and physical activity.
Three Thematic Areas:
The project will consist of three interconnected thematic areas
- Assessment and harmonization of methods for future research, surveillance and monitoring, and evaluation of interventions and policies.
- Determinants of dietary behaviour, physical activity and sedentary behaviour across the life course.
- Evaluation and benchmarking of public health and policy interventions aimed at improving dietary behaviour, physical activity and sedentary behaviour across the life course.
We will conduct an assessment and comparative analysis of interventions concerning public health and policies aimed at improvement of dietary habits and physical activity. The results of the study will help to develop recommendations for policies supporting positive behaviors related to diet and physical activity, in the countries participating in the project.

Project Results
The researchers aim to achieve the following results:
- Development of a network and infrastructure of researchers from different disciplines studying the determinants of diet and physical activity, and making evaluation and benchmarking of multi-level public health and policy interventions aimed at improving dietary and physical activity.
- Development of an online toolbox of best-practice and state-of-the-art research methodologies in order to aim for better harmonization and comparability between European countries.
- Pilot test and optimize these infrastructures and methodologies across the participating European countries.
- Establishment a critical mass in this strategic research area via excellent science, sharing of research facilities, exchange of and between researchers across countries.