Methods

For the collection of national data sources containing data on nutrition and physical activity, a competent institution was identified for each country. Table 4.1 in Sect. 4.2 provided an overview about the subcontracted partners that contributed to data collection. One national expert or organisation per country was commissioned to gather information on the project specification. This did not apply for those countries where a project partner was asked to undertake the data collection role.

Working together with local scientists and experts in the field of nutrition and physical activity implied a more effective handling of language barriers and ensured obtaining local data. Additionally, the contributions from national experts helped to understand the way national Health Information Activities are organized, as well as helped to understand cultural and political developments in national settings.