Impacts

Within the last three decades we have witnessed a dramatic rise in overweight and obesity in the EU population. Since the 1980s the prevalence of obesity has more than trebled in many European countries. In the majority of Member States more than 50% of the adult population is overweight or obese. Overweight and obesity pose the most serious risk to health in Europe from non‐communicable disease (greater than smoking, alcohol and other drug consumption or sexually transmitted disease). The problem is exacerbated in certain geographic regions (often urban former industrial areas), disadvantaged socioeconomic groups and specific ethnic populations all of whom generally suffer poorer health. Even moderate levels of adiposity (slightly overweight) significantly increase the risks of developing non-communicable diseases particularly type‐2 diabetes. But even modest weight loss (5‐10%) can produce significant improvement in health outcomes. The FP6 HEALTHGRAIN project aimed at “improving the well-being and reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome related diseases in Europe by increasing the intake of protective compounds in whole grains or their fractions.

Economical Impact

The HealthBread project has resulted in the development of a range of innovative bread and associated products. HealthBread has contributed substantially to the capacities of increased product development and innovation within the SME’s involved in the Project. Such developments will strengthen their competitive position as bakers of natural bread products and which have communicable nutritional benefits. Partners in the project estimated that after the launch of the products, and based on knowledge and ingredients developed in HealthBread project; in approximately 3 to 4 years turnovers could grow by 10% in Italy and by 30% in Austria, Germany and the Netherlands.