Non-communicable, chronic diseases (NCDs) account for 70% of morbidity and over 60% of mortality worldwide [1]. Previously thought to be simply a normative consequence of aging, NCDs are largely preventable through maintenance of healthy behaviors and optimizing risk factors such as smoking, body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose throughout the lifespan. However, in current modern environments, few individuals are able to maintain an ideal set of health behaviors and the subsequent optimal risk factor profile throughout their lives. In fact, precursors of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers are increasingly common in children, adolescents, and young adults [2]. Upstream social determinants that influence behaviors which can lead to NCDs are complex and include individual-level drivers such as gender, education, and socioeconomic position; populationlevel drivers such as the level of urbanization, the built environment, and the food system; and macro-level drivers such as trade agreements and taxation policies [3]. Given such complex inputs, there is growing realization that NCD prevention and control requires trans-disciplinary efforts to achieve real change [4]. This awareness, particularly the realization that NCD burdens are an overlooked barrier to development towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals [5], has prompted the United Nations to schedule a