Italy Declares Obesity a Chronic Disease as Experts Push Daily Activity to Tackle Child Overweight

In 2025 Italy became the first nation to pass a law recognizing obesity as a chronic, progressive disease, shifting policy from personal choice to medical condition. The Campania region is piloting a fast‑mimicking diet trial, enrolling 300 overweight adolescents in a five‑day, low‑calorie regimen each quarter to induce a metabolic reset. Critics warn the restrictive protocol could heighten risks of eating disorders and question its suitability for children.

Globally, UNICEF notes that more children are now obese than underweight, with roughly one‑in‑ten youths affected. In England, 26% of children aged 2‑15 are overweight or obese. Health authorities advise at least an hour of active play daily for children over five, recommending low‑pressure, playful exercises such as jumping puddles, obstacle courses, and turning chores into games to increase movement without formal workouts.