Introduction: Utilizing a multicenter approach in cross-sectional studies of obesity allows for improved generalizability of the results, a larger sample size, and, consequently, planning of health policies and programs. Objectives: This study aims to highlight important issues regarding the organization of multicenter observational studies on nutrition research at institutional, researchers and support/sponsoring level among countries with diverse culture. Method: The Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (ELANS) are used as an example