A European " project " aims to combat obesity using artificial intelligence and personalized interventions
The BETTER4U initiative, in which the University is participating, is seeking volunteers to help design personalized lifestyle recommendations with the goal to prevent weight gain
Photo: ManuelCastells/ project researchers Leticia Goñi, Cristina Razquin, Vanessa Bullón, Maira Bes, and Maite Sesma
13 | 10 | 2026
Obesity has become one of the greatest public health challenges. Its prevalence has tripled almost everywhere in the world since 1975, and today more than one billion people live with it. In response to this challenge, BETTER4U, a project funded by the Horizon Europe program that brings together 28 European partners from seven countries, including the University of Navarra. Its goal is to advance personalized strategies.
“In Europe, nearly 60% of adults are overweight or obese. In Spain, one in four adults is obese, and if the trend continues, that figure is estimated to reach 37% by 2035,” explains Dr. Maira Bes-Rastrollo, a professor at thedepartment of Preventive Medicine and Public Health and a researcher at the Institute of Nutrition and Health at the University of Navarra. “This isn’t just a weight issue: obesity is linked to more than 200 health complications, ranging fr subject , type 2 diabetes to cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, and it places an enormous burden on healthcare systems,” she notes.
The BETTER4U project will integrate data data from approximately one million people drawn from large cohorts and biobanks, combining Genetics genetic, Biochemistry lifestyle, and microbiome information. It is also the first to incorporate so-called “genetic risk scores” into an artificial intelligence model capable of generating personalized recommendations. “The underlying idea is encouraging: although genetic predisposition Genetics increases risk, its effects can be reduced through sustained healthy habits, such as a good diet, regular physical activity, and a less sedentary lifestyle,” notes Bes-Rastrollo.
Volunteers for a follow-up program that combines technology and individualized care
The AI- model t will collect detailed information about each person—from their genetic profile to their lifestyle habits—to provide personalized dietary and behavioral recommendations, with continuous adjustments based on real-time monitoring.
This strategy will be evaluated through a six-month clinical essay in seven European countries, involving more than 1,000 overweight or obese adults, which will compare personalized recommendations with standard care. To achieve this, continuous monitoring via a mobile app and a smartwatch will be combined with personalized professional support. The project also takes cultural differences into account, including the dietary habits of each country.
“BETTER4U aims to help people make informed decisions about their health, promoting sustained weight loss, reduced metabolic risk, and a better quality of life,” concludes Bes-Rastrollo. He also notes that “personalized interventions could reduce ineffective treatments and preventable complications, easing the strain on healthcare systems. At final, we are committed to more precise, equitable, and sustainable medicine in the face of a disease that already affects millions of people.”
The BETTER4ALL clinical trial is open to people aged 18 to 65 who are overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25), own an Android smartphone, and are able to travel to Pamplona for in-person visits. The program is free and includes a six-month program with professional guidance and monitoring via a smartwatch and a mobile app, a health check, blood and microbiome tests, and a score genetic risk assessment for obesity. For more information and to register: 717 716 511 (via WhatsApp) or email better4u@unav.es.
