The primary objective of the YOUnite project was to create training modules designed to strengthen the self-esteem, confidence, health awareness and employability of overweight and obese youth. The transnational partnership, bringing together organisations from Austria, Finland, Hungary, and Poland allowed for a rich exchange of expertise. Each partner contributed valuable insights—from Austria's focus on youth employment programmes to Finland's innovative strategies in youth engagement, Hungary’s experience on training methodology and Poland’s knowledge on therapy. By developing hands-on, non-formal learning activities, we aimed to provide tools that can be easily implemented by youth workers and trainers without requiring specialised knowledge of the subject. The ultimate goal was to empower young people to take the first steps towards healthier lifestyles and improved job readiness, thus facilitating their integration into the labour market.
Obesity is a major health issue across the European Union, with severe long-term consequences for both individual well-being and broader societal and economic health. According to the World Health Organisation, as of 2022, approximately 20% of children and adolescents (aged 5-19) worldwide are affected by obesity or being overweight. Despite these alarming figures, there has been little progress in systematically halting or reversing obesity among youth. Beyond the obvious health concerns, this condition carries significant social consequences - many obese adolescents report experiences of bullying and social exclusion, which directly impact their quality of life, educational opportunities, and future employability. Overweight youth often face barriers in the labour market, which can hinder their professional success and long-term integration into society. These are serious issues that are frequently overlooked or underaddressed in public policy.