How to set the course for a healthy life at an early stage of life?

Risk and protective factors acquired early in life have a decisive impact on health in adulthood. Therefore, we investigate health determinants over the life-course by means of large, multinational, long-term epidemiological studies in children, adolescents, and adults. This enables us to assess the importance of these factors at different stages of life, from the prenatal phase through early childhood to old age. Based on this research, we develop effective strategies for the early prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases. The promotion of child health plays a key role in this context. In this way, we aim to set the course for a healthy life as early as possible.