In the EU, approximately 60% of adults and 20% of school-aged children are overweight or obese and these numbers continue to rise at an alarming rate. Eating disorders and other behavioural problems are also increasing, which will become a major socioeconomic burden. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new approaches that can lead to more effective prevention measures of these disorders.
Research into the relationship between the gut microbiome and human health has been fragmented or ‘siloed’ in small pockets around the world and, consequently, it has not always provided consistent messages to society. Also, nutritionists, dietitians and policymakers – including those involved in establishing dietary guidelines – have not been fully aware of the potential impact of the gut microbiome on nutrition and health, until very recently.
The MyNewGut project will generate data that can inform new EU policies to facilitate decision making and help consumers make healthier food and drink choices. The project will bring together and generate stakeholder-targeted information that will contribute to innovative recommendations for healthy lifestyle changes and interventions to prevent diet- and brain-related disorders. The MyNewGut project will also provide information to substantiate health claims related to the role of the gut microbiome in disease risk reduction.