Italy
- Overview
- Obesity prevalence
- Trends over time
- Population breakdowns
- Drivers
- Comorbidities
- Health systems
- Policies
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National obesity risk *6/10This is a composite ‘obesity risk’ score (out of 10, the highest risk) based on obesity prevalence, rate of increase, likelihood of meeting the 2025 target, treatment indicator and childhood stunting levels.Childhood obesity risk *8/11This is a ‘risk score’ for each country’s likelihood of having or acquiring a major childhood obesity problem during the 2020s, taking account of current prevalence levels and risk for future obesity (based on stunting among infants, maternal obesity, maternal smoking, and breastfeeding rates).
* Based on estimated data. For more information see Publications
Obesity prevalence
Trends over time
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The report card collates all the most-recent graphics for this country. If you would like to produce a custom report based on selected graphics, just tap the Add to custom PDF button below the graphics you would like to use.Population breakdowns
Drivers
Insufficient activity
Sugar consumption
Soft drink consumption
Confectionery consumption
Sweet/savoury snack consumption
Fruit consumption
Vegetable consumption
Processed meat consumption
Grains consumption
Depression
Anxiety
Roots of obesity »
Like all chronic diseases, the root causes/drivers of obesity are complex. Select here to view 'other' root causes/drivers.Download report card
Comorbidities
Health systems
Obesity prevalence
Adults, 2016-2019
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18-69 |
| Sample size: | 129423 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | PASSI 2016-19. Available at https://www.epicentro.iss.it/passi/dati/sovrappeso?tab-container-1=tab1 (last accessed on 25.09.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat database http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2008-2012
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 35-79 |
| Sample size: | 8710 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | The Cardiovascular Epidemiological Observatory (OEC) Survey. http://www.cuore.iss.it/fattori/progetto.asp |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 1998
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 35-74 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | The data is understood to be National WHO Infobase. Ref:Institito Svperiore Di Sanita. Osservatorio epidemiologico cardiovascolare, Personal communication: Andrea Gaggioli and Simona Giampaoli. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 8-9 |
| Sample size: | 53273 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | COSI 2019. https://www.epicentro.iss.it/okkioallasalute/indagine-2019-dati (Last accessed 10.12.2020) |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2012
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 8-9 |
| Sample size: | 46,483 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | COSI 2012. https://www.epicentro.iss.it/okkioallasalute/IndagineNazionale2012 (Last accessed 10.12.2020) |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2008
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 7 |
| Sample size: | 5144 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Wijnhoven, T. M. A., van Raaij, J. M. A., Spinelli, A., Rito, A. I., Hovengen, R., Kunesova, M., Starc, G., Rutter, H., Sjöberg, A., Petrauskiene, A., O'Dwyer, U., Petrova, S., Farrugia Sant'Angelo, V., Wauters, M., Yngve, A., Rubana, I.-M. and Breda, J. (2012), WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative 2008: weight, height and body mass index in 6–9-year-old children. Pediatric Obesity. doi: 10.1111/j.2047-6310.2012.00090.x |
| Notes: | IOTF International Cut Off NB. Combined child data estimated. These estimates were calculated by weighting male and female survey results. Weighting based on World Bank Population % total female 2019 (https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL.FE.ZS - accessed 21.10.20)' |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2007-2013
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 8-9 |
| Sample size: | 95089 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Spinelli et al (2019). 'Childhood Severe Obesity in Europe', Obes Facts.12, pp. 244–258. (Data from COSI round 1-3) |
| Notes: | NOTE - this data is from COSI round I, II and III (2007 - 2013) IOTF cut-offs used. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 2001-2002
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 8-9 |
| Sample size: | 3076 |
| Area covered: | Regional |
| References: | Giacchi M, Lazzeri G, Zani A, Guidoni G, Giallombardo D, Cocco S, Balocchini E, Carlori M, Turrini A, Censi L and Rossi S. (2005). Nutritional surveillance in Tuscany. Nutritional status among 8-9 year-old school children. Journal of Preventative Medicine and Hygiene, 46: 70 - 75 |
| Notes: | IOTF International Cut off |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 1988-1989
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 10 |
| Sample size: | 1081 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Bellizzi MC, Horgan GW, Guillaume M, Dietz WH. Prevalence of childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity in Asian and European countries. In: Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence. Editors: Chunming Chen, William H. Dietz. Nestle Nutrition Workshop Series Pediatric Program. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2002. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
% Children living with obesity, 2008-2019
Boys and girls
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | 2008: Wijnhoven, T. M. A., van Raaij, J. M. A., Spinelli, A., Rito, A. I., Hovengen, R., Kunesova, M., Starc, G., Rutter, H., Sjöberg, A., Petrauskiene, A., O'Dwyer, U., Petrova, S., Farrugia Sant'Angelo, V., Wauters, M., Yngve, A., Rubana, I.-M. and Breda, J. (2012), WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative 2008: weight, height and body mass index in 6–9-year-old children. Pediatric Obesity. doi: 10.1111/j.2047-6310.2012.00090.x 2012: COSI 2012. https://www.epicentro.iss.it/okkioallasalute/IndagineNazionale2012 (Last accessed 10.12.2020) 2019: COSI 2019. https://www.epicentro.iss.it/okkioallasalute/indagine-2019-dati (Last accessed 10.12.2020) |
| Definitions: | IOTF |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
| Different methodologies may have been used to collect this data and so data from different surveys may not be strictly comparable. Please check with original data sources for methodologies used. | |
Overweight/obesity by age and education
Men, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Overweight/obesity by education
Adults, 2016-2019
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18-69 |
| Sample size: | 129423 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | PASSI 2016-19. Available at https://www.epicentro.iss.it/passi/dati/sovrappeso?tab-container-1=tab1 (last accessed on 25.09.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | Total sample size in EU = 35100 (Age 18+) |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 9 November 2016) |
| Notes: | Less than primary, primary and lower secondary education (levels 0-2) Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education (levels 3 and 4) Tertiary education (levels 5-8) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | Total sample size in EU = 35100 (Age 18+) |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat Database:http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 9 November 2016) |
| Notes: | Less than primary, primary and lower secondary education (levels 0-2) Upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education (levels 3 and 4) Tertiary education (levels 5-8) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2010-2013
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18-69 |
| Sample size: | 151185 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | STEPS 2010-13. Sovrappeso e obesità in Italia. Available at http://www.epicentro.iss.it/passi/pdf2014/ObesityDay2014PassiPDA.pdf [accessed on 18/05/2015] |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Boys, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 8-9 |
| Sample size: | 48,900 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Lauria, Laura, et al. “Decline of Childhood Overweight and Obesity in Italy from 2008 to 2016: Results from 5 Rounds of the Population-Based Surveillance System.” BMC Public Health, vol. 19, no. 1, 21 May 2019, 10.1186/s12889-019-6946-3. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-019-6946-3. Accessed 13 May 2021. |
| Notes: | OKkio alla SALUTE 2016 data. |
| Definitions: | Based on Mother's educational attainment level. |
| Cutoffs: | WOF-IOTF |
Girls, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 8-9 |
| Sample size: | 48,900 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Lauria, Laura, et al. “Decline of Childhood Overweight and Obesity in Italy from 2008 to 2016: Results from 5 Rounds of the Population-Based Surveillance System.” BMC Public Health, vol. 19, no. 1, 21 May 2019, 10.1186/s12889-019-6946-3. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-019-6946-3. Accessed 13 May 2021. |
| Notes: | OKkio alla SALUTE 2016 data. |
| Definitions: | Based on Mother's educational attainment level. |
| Cutoffs: | WOF-IOTF |
Children, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 8-9 |
| Sample size: | 48426 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | P. Nardone, M. Bouncristiano and L. Lauria. OKkio alla SALUTE: risultati 2014 sugli stili di vita dei bambini. Available at http://www.salute.gov.it/imgs/C_17_notizie_1899_listaFile_itemName_3_file.pdf (accessed on 18/05/2015) |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Boys, 2003-2004
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 4-7 |
| Sample size: | 543 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Ruiz M, Goldblatt P, Morrison J et al. Impact of Low Maternal Education on Early Childhood Overweight and Obesity in Europe. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2016 Mar 4. doi: 10.1111/ppe.12285. [Epub ahead of print] |
| Notes: | GASPII Birth cohort |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Girls, 2003-2004
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 4-7 |
| Sample size: | 543 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Ruiz M, Goldblatt P, Morrison J et al. Impact of Low Maternal Education on Early Childhood Overweight and Obesity in Europe. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2016 Mar 4. doi: 10.1111/ppe.12285. [Epub ahead of print] |
| Notes: | GASPII Birth cohort |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Overweight/obesity by age
Adults, 2016-2019
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Sample size: | 129423 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | PASSI 2016-19. Available at https://www.epicentro.iss.it/passi/dati/sovrappeso?tab-container-1=tab1 (last accessed on 25.09.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2006-2010
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Sample size: | 14135 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Gallus S, Odone A, Lugo A et al. Overweight and obesity prevalence and determinants in Italy: an update to 2010. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2013; 52:677-685 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 48,900 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | OKkio alla SALUTE Risultati dell’indagine 2016. Available at: https://www.aslcn2.it/media/2017/11/Report-ASL-CN2-2016.pdf. Last accessed: 13.05.21. |
| Cutoffs: | WOF-IOTF |
Children, 2012-2013
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 8yrs 29045 9yrs 16502 Both genders |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION. (2018). WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative: overweight and obesity among 6–9-year-old children. Available: http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/378865/COSI-3.pdf?ua=1. Last accessed [Accessed 28th Aug 2018]. |
| Notes: | WHO cut-offs used. |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Children, 1993-2001
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 44231 |
| Area covered: | Regional |
| References: | Celi F, Bini V, De Giorgi G, Molinari D, Faraoni F, Di Stefano G, Bacosi ML, Berioli MG, Contessa G, Falorni A. Epidemiology of overweight and obesity among school children and adolescents in three provinces of central Italy, 1993-2001: study of potential influencing variables. EJCN 2003; 57:1045-1051 |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Children, 1993-2001
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Sample size: | 44294 |
| Area covered: | 3 provinces of central Italy |
| References: | Celi F, Bini V, De Giorgi G, Molinari D, Faraoni F, Di Stefano G, Bacosi ML, Berioli MG, Contessa G, Falorni A. Epidemiology of overweight and obesity among school children and adolescents in three provinces of central Italy, 1993-2001: study of potential influencing variables. EJCN 2003; 57:1045-1051 |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Overweight/obesity by region
Adults, 2016-2019
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18-69 |
| Sample size: | 129423 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | PASSI 2016-19. Available at https://www.epicentro.iss.it/passi/dati/sovrappeso?tab-container-1=tab1 (last accessed on 25.09.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2010-2013
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18-69 |
| Sample size: | 151185 (unconfirmed) |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | STEPS 2010-13. Sovrappeso e obesità in Italia. Available at http://www.epicentro.iss.it/passi/pdf2014/ObesityDay2014PassiPDA.pdf [accessed on 18/05/2015] |
| Notes: | Limited numbers in Campania and Lombardia. Classified in paper as excess weight - this is assumed to be overweight BMI equal or greater than 25. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Children, 2019
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 8-9 |
| Sample size: | 53,273 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | COSI 2019. Available at: https://www.epicentro.iss.it/okkioallasalute/indagine-2019-dati. Last accessed: 13.05.21. |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Boys, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 8-9 |
| Sample size: | 48426 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Okkio all Salute |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Overweight/obesity by age and region
Men, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1u&lang=en (last acces |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1u&lang=en (last acces |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Overweight/obesity by age and socio-economic group
Adults, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Eurostat http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 25.08.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Overweight/obesity by socio-economic group
Adults, 2016-2019
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18-69 |
| Sample size: | 129423 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | PASSI 2016-19. Available at https://www.epicentro.iss.it/passi/dati/sovrappeso?tab-container-1=tab1 (last accessed on 25.09.20) |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Men, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | Total sample number in EU: 35100 (Age 18+) |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | EUROSTAT Database: http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 9 November 2016) |
| Notes: | 1st Quintile (lowest income), 5th Quintile (highest income) Please note where data = zero, there were insufficient data. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Women, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Sample size: | Total sample number in EU: 35100 (Age 18+) |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | EUROSTAT Database: http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 9 November 2016) |
| Notes: | 1st Quintile (lowest income), 5th Quintile (highest income) Please note where data = zero, there were insufficient data. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Adults, 2010-2013
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18-69 |
| Sample size: | 151185 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | STEPS 2010-13 |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Boys, 2017-2018
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 11-15 |
| Sample size: | 4122 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | World Health Organization (2020). Spotlight on adolescent health and well-being - Findings from the 2017/2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey in Europe and Canada. Available at: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/332091/9789289055000-eng.pdf. Last accessed: 25.05.21. |
| Notes: | HBSC Family Affluence Scale (FAS) - "HBSC uses an alternative measure, the Family Affluence Scale, which asks young people about material assets such as family cars, number of foreign holidays, computers, bathrooms and dishwashers in the household, holidays and having a bedroom to oneself. The scale, which enables users to add up how many of these assets a young person has in their home compared with other adolescents in their country/region, has been shown to provide a valid indicator of relative affluence." |
| Definitions: | HBSC Family Affluence Scale (FAS) |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Girls, 2017-2018
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 11-15 |
| Sample size: | 4122 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | World Health Organization (2020). Spotlight on adolescent health and well-being - Findings from the 2017/2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey in Europe and Canada. Available at: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/332091/9789289055000-eng.pdf. Last accessed: 25.05.21. |
| Notes: | HBSC Family Affluence Scale (FAS) - "HBSC uses an alternative measure, the Family Affluence Scale, which asks young people about material assets such as family cars, number of foreign holidays, computers, bathrooms and dishwashers in the household, holidays and having a bedroom to oneself. The scale, which enables users to add up how many of these assets a young person has in their home compared with other adolescents in their country/region, has been shown to provide a valid indicator of relative affluence." |
| Definitions: | HBSC Family Affluence Scale (FAS) |
| Cutoffs: | WHO |
Boys, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 11-15 |
| Sample size: | 15035 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Lazzeri G, Dalmasso P, Berchialla P, Borraccino A, Charrier L, Giacchi MV, Simi R, Lenzi M, Vieno A, Lemma P, Cavallo F.Trends in adolescent overweight prevalence in Italy according to socioeconomic position. Ann Ist Super Sanita. 2017 Oct-Dec;53(4):283-290. doi: 10.4415/ANN_17_04_03. |
| Notes: | 11,13 & 15 Years (12 & 14 yrs not included) |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Girls, 2014
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 11-15 |
| Sample size: | 15035 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Lazzeri G, Dalmasso P, Berchialla P, Borraccino A, Charrier L, Giacchi MV, Simi R, Lenzi M, Vieno A, Lemma P, Cavallo F.Trends in adolescent overweight prevalence in Italy according to socioeconomic position. Ann Ist Super Sanita. 2017 Oct-Dec;53(4):283-290. doi: 10.4415/ANN_17_04_03. |
| Notes: | 11,13 & 15 Years (12 & 14 yrs not included) |
| Cutoffs: | Other |
Children, 2007-2008
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 2-9 |
| Sample size: | 2424 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Ahrens W, Pigeot I, Pohlabeln H et al. Prevalence of overweight and obesity in European children below the age of 10. IJO 2014;38:S99-S107 |
| Notes: | Parental Income |
| Cutoffs: | IOTF |
Overweight/obesity by ethnicity
Ethnic groups are as defined by publication of origin and are not as defined by WOF. In some instances ethnicity is conflated with nationality and/or race.
Adults, 2016-2019
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 18-69 |
| Sample size: | 129,423 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | PASSI 2016-19. Available at: https://www.epicentro.iss.it/passi/dati/sovrappeso?tab-container-1=tab1. Last accessed: 13.05.21. |
| Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m². | |
Boys, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 8-9 |
| Sample size: | 48,900 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Lauria, Laura, et al. “Decline of Childhood Overweight and Obesity in Italy from 2008 to 2016: Results from 5 Rounds of the Population-Based Surveillance System.” BMC Public Health, vol. 19, no. 1, 21 May 2019, 10.1186/s12889-019-6946-3. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-019-6946-3. Accessed 13 May 2021. |
| Notes: | OKkio alla SALUTE 2016 data. |
| Definitions: | Based on Mother's citizenship. |
| Cutoffs: | WOF-IOTF |
Girls, 2016
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 8-9 |
| Sample size: | 48,900 |
| Area covered: | National |
| References: | Lauria, Laura, et al. “Decline of Childhood Overweight and Obesity in Italy from 2008 to 2016: Results from 5 Rounds of the Population-Based Surveillance System.” BMC Public Health, vol. 19, no. 1, 21 May 2019, 10.1186/s12889-019-6946-3. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-019-6946-3. Accessed 13 May 2021. |
| Notes: | OKkio alla SALUTE 2016 data. |
| Definitions: | Based on Mother's citizenship. |
| Cutoffs: | WOF-IOTF |
Insufficient physical activity
Adults, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Men, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Women, 2016
| References: | Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants. Lancet 2018 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(18)30357-7 |
Children, 2016
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21) |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Boys, 2016
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21) |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Girls, 2016
| Survey type: | Self-reported |
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, https://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893ADO?lang=en (last accessed 16.03.21) |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Children, 2010
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Boys, 2010
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Girls, 2010
| Age: | 11-17 |
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A893?lang=en |
| Notes: | % of school going adolescents not meeting WHO recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, i.e. doing less than 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. |
| Definitions: | % Adolescents insufficiently active (age standardised estimate) |
Sugar consumption
Adults, 2016
| References: | Source: Euromonitor International |
| Definitions: | Sugar consumption (Number of 500g sugar portions/person/month) |
Estimated per capita sugar sweetened beverages intake
Adults, 2016
| References: | Source: Euromonitor International |
Prevalence of at least daily carbonated soft drink consumption
Children, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | World Health Organization. (2017). Adolescent obesity and related behaviours: Trends and inequalities in the who european region, 2002-2014: observations from the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) WHO collaborative cross-national study (J. Inchley, D. Currie, J. Jewel, J. Breda, & V. Barnekow, Eds.). World Health Organization. Sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org |
| Notes: | 15-year-old adolescents |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of at least daily carbonated soft drink consumption (% of at least daily carbonated soft drink consumption) |
Prevalence of confectionery consumption
Adults, 2016
| References: | Source: Euromonitor International |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of confectionery consumption (Number of 50g confectionery portions/person/month) |
Prevalence of sweet/savoury snack consumption
Adults, 2016
| References: | Source: Euromonitor International |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of sweet/savoury snack consumption (Number of 35g sweet/savoury snack portions/person/month) |
Estimated per capita fruit intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita fruit intake (g/day) |
Prevalence of less than daily fruit consumption
Children, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| References: | Global School-based Student Health Surveys. Beal et al (2019). Global Patterns of Adolescent Fruit, Vegetable, Carbonated Soft Drink, and Fast-food consumption: A meta-analysis of global school-based student health surveys. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/0379572119848287. Sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org/food-system |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of less-than-daily fruit consumption (% less-than-daily fruit consumption) |
Prevalence of less than daily vegetable consumption
Children, 2014
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 12-17 |
| References: | Beal et al. (2019). Global Patterns of Adolescent Fruit, Vegetable, Carbonated Soft Drink, and Fast-food consumption: A meta-analysis of global school-based student health surveys. Food and Nutrition Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.1177/0379572119848287 sourced from Food Systems Dashboard http://www.foodsystemsdashboard.org/food-system |
| Definitions: | Prevalence of less-than-daily vegetable consumption (% less-than-daily vegetable consumption) |
Estimated per-capita processed meat intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita processed meat intake (g per day) |
Estimated per capita whole grains intake
Adults, 2017
| Survey type: | Measured |
| Age: | 25+ |
| References: | Global Burden of Disease, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ |
| Definitions: | Estimated per-capita whole grains intake (g/day) |
Mental health - depression disorders
Adults, 2015
| References: | Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. |
| Definitions: | % of population with depression disorders |
Mental health - anxiety disorders
Adults, 2015
| References: | Prevalence data from Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (http://ghdx.healthdata.org) published in: Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva:World Health Organization; 2017. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO. |
| Definitions: | % of population with anxiety disorders |
Oesophageal cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, oesophagus, adults ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, oesophagus, adults ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Breast cancer
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, breast, females, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Colorectal cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, colorectum, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, colorectum, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Pancreatic cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, pancreas, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, pancreas, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Gallbladder cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, gallbladder, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, gallbladder, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Kidney cancer
Men, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, kidney, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, kidney, adults, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Cancer of the uterus
Women, 2018
| Age: | 20+ |
| References: | Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer incidence rates http://gco.iarc.fr/ (last accessed 30th June 2020) |
| Definitions: | Estimated age-standardized incidence rates (World) in 2018, cervix uteri, females, ages 20+. ASR (World) per 100,000 |
Raised blood pressure
Adults, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Men, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Women, 2015
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A875?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised estimated % Raised blood pressure 2015 (SBP>=140 OR DBP>=90). |
Raised cholesterol
Adults, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Men, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Women, 2008
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A885 |
| Definitions: | % Raised total cholesterol (>= 5.0 mmol/L) (age-standardized estimate). |
Raised fasting blood glucose
Men, 2014
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication). |
Women, 2014
| References: | Global Health Observatory data repository, World Health Organisation, http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.A869?lang=en |
| Definitions: | Age Standardised % raised fasting blood glucose (>= 7.0 mmol/L or on medication). |
Diabetes prevalence
Adults, 2019
| Age: | 20-79 |
| References: | Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 9th edn. Brussels,Belgium: 2019. Available at: https://www.diabetesatlas.org |
| Definitions: | Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%). |
Adults, 2017
| References: | Reproduced with kind permission of IDF, International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 8th edition. Brussels, Belgium: International Diabetes Federation, 2017. http://www.diabetesatlas.org |
| Definitions: | Diabetes age-adjusted comparative prevalence (%). |
Health systems
Economic classification: High Income
Health systems summary
Italy has had a National Health Service (NHS) since 1978. The Italian NHS covers all citizens and legal residents automatically and is considered to be fairly comprehensive (the minimum benefit package is decided upon by the national government). Most of the funding comes from public sources, namely corporate tax, general tax and regional taxes. However, it is said that there are large regional disparities in funding and quality of care in the highly decentralised health system. Public funding is supplemented by several co-payment charges, and while there is no annual cap on out of pocket (OOP) spending, there is a ‘ceiling’ for individual co-payments. OOP spending is relatively high in Italy at 24% of total health spending. Very few have voluntary health insurance in Italy, which can be obtained corporately or non-corporately and can provide complementary or supplementary coverage.
Indicators
| Where is the country’s government in the journey towards defining ‘Obesity as a disease’? | Defined as disease |
| Where is the country’s healthcare provider in the journey towards defining ‘Obesity as a disease’? | Some progress |
| Is there specialist training available dedicated to the training of health professionals to prevent, diagnose, treat and manage obesity? | No |
| Have any taxes or subsidies been put in place to protect/assist/inform the population around obesity? | Some progress |
| Are there adequate numbers of trained health professionals in specialties relevant to obesity in urban areas? | Yes |
| Are there adequate numbers of trained health professionals in specialties relevant to obesity in rural areas? | No |
| Are there any obesity-specific recommendations or guidelines published for adults? | Yes |
| Are there any obesity-specific recommendations or guidelines published for children? | Yes |
| In practice, how is obesity treatment largely funded? | Out of pocket |
Summary of stakeholder feedback
While there was some disagreement among stakeholders about the extent to which the Italian government recognised obesity as a disease, stakeholders agreed that there was more consensus among healthcare providers and professionals. It was reported that many were particularly receptive to defining obesity a disease because of its relation to cardiovascular issues. Since the conduction of the interviews and surveys with these stakeholders, however, there has been official parliamentary recognition that obesity is in fact a chronic disease.
Stakeholders reported that individuals typically entered the system via the gatekeeping general practitioners and paediatricians and from there they would be referred onto specialists (such as endocrinologists, nutritionists and dieticians). As investment into obesity prevention and treatment was reported to be poor (particularly for childhood obesity) and there was poor coverage of treatment and diagnostic exams, it was suggested that treatment was mostly paid for out of pocket or via private health insurance. The exception to this was bariatric surgery, for which there is public coverage but long waiting lists. Stakeholders said people tended to fall out of the system because they do not or stop losing weight and because of the lack of clinical care pathways and specialised obesity clinics.
There appears to be no specialist obesity training available in Italy but stakeholders reported that is a reasonable number of health professionals capable of treating obesity in urban areas but insufficient numbers in rural areas. Italy has several obesity guidelines available included one that is endorsed by the Italian Obesity Society.
Based on interviews/survey returns from 4 stakeholders
Last updated: June 2020
