Italy's Senate convenes to advance implementation of pioneering obesity law

Italy's Law No. 149/2025, approved on 3 October 2025, was the first in the world to recognize obesity as a progressive, recurrent disease. Nine months after its passage, the Senate held a conference titled “Obesity: the law exists, now we build the system” to push the law’s practical roll‑out.

The event, organized by Senator Raoul Russo (Fratelli d’Italia), gathered Health Minister Orazio Schillaci, Under‑Secretary Marcello Gemmato, Senate commission presidents Francesco Zaffini and Roberto Pella, together with representatives of the Ministry of Health, AIFA, regional health authorities, scientific societies and patient organisations. Key issues discussed were the activation of the Obesity Observatory at the Ministry, the updating of diagnostic‑therapeutic pathways, the uniform provision of services under the Essential Levels of Assistance, the allocation of funds earmarked for obesity care, and the reimbursement of pharmacological treatments, especially for severe cases. Participants stressed the need to avoid regional and income‑based inequalities and to integrate obesity management into the National Health Service.

The conference was broadcast live on the Senate’s WebTV and YouTube channels, signalling the government’s commitment to move from legislative recognition to concrete patient care.