Educational cartoon in the podiacar PROject: an approach to combat paediatric obesity

Aims: Pediatric obesity is an escalating global health concern with profound physical and psychological impacts, both in the short and long term. The EU-funded initiative, "Fight against Pediatric Obesity: from a Predictive Tool for Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Risk to Healthy Educational Programs" (PODiaCar), seeks to address childhood obesity through a comprehensive, multidimensional strategy. A key component of this project is the development of educational cartoons aimed at encouraging healthy lifestyle behaviors among children. Methods: The interdisciplinary PODiaCar team collaborated with Officine Creative at the University of Pavia, Italy, to create the cartoon. Essential messages about nutrition and lifestyle were derived from an extensive literature review and refined with expert insights to ensure they were engaging, age-appropriate, and free from stigmatization. The storyline and characters were carefully designed, using clear language and visually appealing graphics to effectively capture children’s attention and facilitate learning. Results: The outcome of this effort is "Grandma Wilma’s Tales, " an engaging animated story centered around Grandma Wilma and her grandson Charlie, who is initially reluctant to adopt healthier eating habits. The first episode introduces Vitto and his dog Buzz, illustrating the negative effects of poor diet and inactivity while highlighting the advantages of a balanced lifestyle. By using a positive and relatable approach, the cartoon helps children connect with the characters and internalize key messages about nutrition and physical activity. Conclusions: This educational cartoon fosters awareness of the importance of a balanced diet and regular physical activity while ensuring a non-stigmatizing approach. By creating an engaging and relatable learning environment, the series motivates children to embrace healthier daily habits.