Italy reports obesity surge in young women and pioneers disease‑status law

New ISTAT data presented at the Italian Barometer Obesity Forum shows that the prevalence of obesity among Italians aged 18‑34 has doubled in the last decade, rising from 3.6% to 6.3%, with the increase driven mainly by women. Childhood obesity remains high, affecting one in four children. Paolo Sbraccia of the IBDO Foundation warned that the trend “requires particular attention, especially for women of child‑bearing age, because maternal health influences the health of the next generation.”

The Italian health ministry, led by Minister Orazio Schillaci, is rolling out the National Prevention Plan 2026‑2031 to address overweight and obesity through integrated health, school, sport and nutrition measures. In parallel, Italy has become the first country worldwide to legislate obesity as a chronic, progressive, relapsing disease. The law aims to integrate cardiovascular prevention with obesity management, create multidisciplinary care pathways, and include obesity in the Essential Levels of Care and the National Chronicity Plan.

Researchers from IRCCS Policlinico San Donato published a rapid communication in the European Heart Journal titled “Italy passes obesity law: an opportunity to prevent cardiovascular disease across Europe.” Professor Alexis Elias Malavazos noted, “Our leadership position represents both an opportunity and a responsibility.” The paper highlights that effective obesity treatment could cut cardiovascular events, citing the SELECT trial’s 20% reduction in major cardiovascular outcomes with semaglutide. The legislation is presented as a model that could be adopted across Europe.