The final approval in the Senate of a new law on obesity marks a historic turning point for Italy: for the first time, obesity is officially recognized as a chronic, progressive, and relapsing disease, fully included among the conditions requiring prevention, early diagnosis, and integrated care within the National Health Service.
Historic Recognition
Until now, obesity—despite being one of the most widespread and impactful health conditions—was often perceived as an “individual problem,” linked mainly to personal choices and responsibility. With this law, however, the Italian Parliament makes both a symbolic and substantial step: obesity is no longer just a matter of lifestyle, but a disease that requires clinical and social care.
The law was strongly promoted and championed by Hon. Roberto Pella, President of the Interparliamentary Group on Obesity, Diabetes and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), who has long been at the forefront of initiatives to strengthen prevention policies, patient rights, and urban health strategies.
The text approved by the Senate mirrors the version already passed by the Chamber of Deputies, reflecting broad political consensus on the urgency of addressing this issue.
Key Provisions of the Law
The new law introduces a set of measures designed to tackle obesity from multiple angles:
- Access to Essential Levels of Care (LEA): individuals with obesity will now have the right to specific diagnostic and therapeutic services within the National Health Service.
- National Program for Prevention and Care: dedicated funding will progressively increase—€700,000 in 2025, €800,000 in 2026, and up to €1.2 million annually from 2027—supporting prevention campaigns, social inclusion initiatives, and anti-stigma actions.
- Health Promotion: a strong focus on schools, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and the encouragement of physical activity.
- Social Inclusion: measures to facilitate the full participation of people with obesity in the workplace, in schools, and in recreational activities.
- Training for Health Professionals: starting in 2025, €400,000 per year will be allocated to the training of doctors, pediatricians, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals.
- National Observatory for the Study of Obesity (OSO): established at the Ministry of Health, this body will monitor the implementation of the law and present an annual report to Parliament.
- Awareness Campaigns: a permanent fund of €100,000 per year will finance initiatives on nutrition and physical activity, involving schools, pharmacies, physicians, and local authorities.
Strengths of the Reform
The value of this law is twofold. On the cultural side, it helps dismantle stereotypes and social stigma, acknowledging the dignity of people living with obesity. On the healthcare side, it ensures equal access to care and integrates obesity into structured treatment pathways.
The law also promotes a multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral approach, extending beyond clinical care to prevention, education, inclusion, and research. The creation of the Observatory and the requirement for annual parliamentary reports guarantee governance, monitoring, and transparency.
A Starting Point for Broader Change
This law, spearheaded by Hon. Roberto Pella in his role as President of the Interparliamentary Group on Obesity, Diabetes and NCDs, represents a paradigm shift and provides Italy with a solid framework to address obesity. The challenge now is to translate it into concrete results: strengthening prevention programs, involving local communities and patient associations, and fostering collaboration across healthcare, schools, sports, and urban planning.
Obesity is a disease, but also a social phenomenon that reflects the way we live, eat, and organize our cities. Italy’s new law is a decisive step forward in recognizing this complexity and ensuring that people with obesity receive the care, dignity, and inclusion they deserve.
By the Secretariat of the Italian Obesity – Diabetes Inter-parliamentary Group
Photo courtesy of Reuters