The Fitness Industry Association (FIA), in partnership with the European Health and Fitness Association (EHFA), has won a European Commission grant to raise the profile of the fitness sector in the fight against obesity in Europe.

The commission has appointed the FIA and EHFA to research the health and fitness sector's ability to address the rising tide of obesity and relieve the pressure on healthcare budgets across the EU. The project is entitled Becoming the hub: the health and fitness sector and the future of health enhancing physical activity.

Work has already started, with an analysis of EU government policy and campaigns across European national governments.

Working with FIA equivalents in France (the European Observatoire for Sport Employment) and Germany (Verband Deutscher Fitness und Gesundheitsunternhmen), the team will consult with operators and suppliers from Sweden to Swindon and will produce a report at the end of the year.

"Any ambitious sector must look to the European markets for growth," comments David Stalker, FIA executive director. "We've gone from being ambassadors for the role of the health and fitness sector in an integrated public health strategy, to being a champion for all our European colleagues in just a matter of months. That's a wonderful testimony."

Anyone interested in reading more about the project, or in participating in the consultation, can visit www.ehfa-programmes.eu/hub.aspx