• Overview
  • Obesity prevalence
  • Trends over time
  • Population breakdowns
  • Drivers
  • Comorbidities
  • Economic impact
  • Policies
  • Contextual factors
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Obesity prevalence

Adults, 2020-2021

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18-69
Sample size:38126
Area covered:National
References:PASSI 2020-2021. Available at https://www.epicentro.iss.it/passi/dati/sovrappeso?tab-container-1=tab1 (last accessed on 22.03.23)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18+
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Data available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2017-2020

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18-69
Sample size:110742
Area covered:National
References:PASSI 2017-20. Available at https://www.epicentro.iss.it/passi/dati/sovrappeso (last accessed 17.11.21)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

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, 2000-2003

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:15+
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat Yearbook 2006/07. A goldmine of statistical information. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/5059290/1-20022007-BP-EN.PDF.pdf/edab8c31-b9f3-4c8e-b4db-4137bd045efa?t=1414683510000 (last accessed 04.11.21)
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:OKkio alla SALUTE 2019. https://www.epicentro.iss.it/okkioallasalute/indagine-2019-dati (Last accessed 10.12.2020)
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 2018-2020

Survey type:Measured
Age:8
Sample size:29621
Area covered:National
References:Report on the fifth round of data collection, 2018–2020: WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI). Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe; 2022. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Cutoffs:WHO 2007

Children, 2015-2017

Survey type:Measured
Age:8
Sample size:29633
Area covered:National
References:WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI): report on the fourth round of data collection, 2015–2017. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe; 2021. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Cutoffs:WHO 2007

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, 2012-2013

Survey type:Measured
Age:8
Sample size:29002
Area covered:National
References:World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe. (‎2018)‎. WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative: overweight and obesity among 6–9-year-old children: report of the third round of data collection 2012–2013. World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/346110
Cutoffs:WHO 2007

Children, 2009-2010

Survey type:Measured
Age:8
Sample size:26009
Area covered:National
References:Wijnhoven, T.M., van Raaij, J.M., Spinelli, A. et al. WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative: body mass index and level of overweight among 6–9-year-old children from school year 2007/2008 to school year 2009/2010. BMC Public Health 14, 806 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-14-821
Cutoffs:WHO 2007

Children, 2007-2008

Survey type:Measured
Age:8
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: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)
Cutoffs:IOTF

Children, 2007-2008

Survey type:Measured
Age:8
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. (2013), WHO-COSI 2008: weight, height and BMI. Pediatric Obesity, 8: 79-97. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2047-6310.2012.00090.x
Cutoffs:WHO 2007

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
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

Overweight/obesity by age and education

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1e&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
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 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, 2020-2021

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18-69
Sample size:38126
Area covered:National
References:PASSI 2020-2021. Available at https://www.epicentro.iss.it/passi/dati/sovrappeso?tab-container-1=tab1 (last accessed on 22.03.23)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2017-2020

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18-69
Sample size:110742
Area covered:National
References:PASSI 2017-20. Available at https://www.epicentro.iss.it/passi/dati/sovrappeso (last accessed 17.11.21)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

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, 2020-2021

Survey type:Self-reported
Sample size:38126
Area covered:National
References:PASSI 2020-2021. Available at https://www.epicentro.iss.it/passi/dati/sovrappeso?tab-container-1=tab1 (last accessed on 22.03.23)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2017-2020

Survey type:Self-reported
Sample size:110742
Area covered:National
References:PASSI 2017-20. Available at https://www.epicentro.iss.it/passi/dati/sovrappeso (last accessed 17.11.21)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

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, 2018-2020

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:45900
Area covered:National
References:Report on the fifth round of data collection, 2018–2020: WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI). Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe; 2022. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Cutoffs:WHO 2007

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, 2015-2017

Survey type:Measured
Sample size:44127
Area covered:National
References:WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI): report on the fourth round of data collection, 2015–2017. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe; 2021. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
Cutoffs:WHO 2007

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, 2020-2021

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18-69
Sample size:38126
Area covered:National
References:PASSI 2020-2021. Available at https://www.epicentro.iss.it/passi/dati/sovrappeso?tab-container-1=tab1 (last accessed on 22.03.23)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2017-2020

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18-69
Sample size:110742
Area covered:National
References:PASSI 2017-20. Available at https://www.epicentro.iss.it/passi/dati/sovrappeso (last accessed 17.11.21)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

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, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Men, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Women, 2019

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2019. Available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=hlth_ehis_bm1i&lang=en (last accessed 09.08.21).
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
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, 2020-2021

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18-69
Sample size:38126
Area covered:National
References:PASSI 2020-2021. Available at https://www.epicentro.iss.it/passi/dati/sovrappeso?tab-container-1=tab1 (last accessed on 22.03.23)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

Adults, 2017-2020

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18-69
Sample size:110742
Area covered:National
References:PASSI 2017-20. Available at https://www.epicentro.iss.it/passi/dati/sovrappeso (last accessed 17.11.21)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

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, 2020-2021

Survey type:Self-reported
Age:18-69
Sample size:38126
Area covered:National
References:PASSI 2020-2021. Available at https://www.epicentro.iss.it/passi/dati/sovrappeso?tab-container-1=tab1 (last accessed on 22.03.23)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

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

Overweight/obesity by age and limited activity

Adults, 2014

Survey type:Self-reported
Area covered:National
References:Eurostat 2014 available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/submitViewTableAction.do (last accessed 06.10.21)
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 2014 available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/submitViewTableAction.do (last accessed 06.10.21)
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 2014 available at https://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/submitViewTableAction.do (last accessed 06.10.21)
Unless otherwise noted, overweight refers to a BMI between 25kg and 29.9kg/m², obesity refers to a BMI greater than 30kg/m².

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, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2191
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2191
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Breast cancer

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2191
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Colorectal cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2191
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2191
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Pancreatic cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2191
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2191
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Gallbladder cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2191
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2191
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Kidney cancer

Men, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2191
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2191
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates per 100 000

Cancer of the uterus

Women, 2020

Age:20+
Area covered:National
References:Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Colombet M, Mery L, Piñeros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Available from: https://gco.iarc.fr/today, accessed 10.01.2191
Definitions:Age-standardized indicence rates 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, 2021

Age:20-79
Area covered:National
References:Reproduced with kind permission International Diabetes Federation.  IDF Diabetes Atlas, 10th edn. Brussels, Belgium:International Diabetes Federation, 2021. http://www.diabetesatlas.org
Definitions:Age-adjusted comparative prevalence of diabetes, %

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 (%).

Economic impact of overweight and obesity

Country comparisons

You can choose to compare this country’s data with the data for up to four other countries.

Policies, Interventions and Actions

National Prevention Plan 2020-2025

The "National Prevention Plan 2020-2025", adopted with the State-Regions Agreement of 6 August 2020

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2020-2025
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Find out more:www.epicentro.iss.it
Linked document:Download linked document

Proposed alternative front of package labelling

New battery label based on 'whole food' rather than constitutents of food, has been approved for Italy by the EU. Currently being harmonised into the system with full integration by 2022

Categories:Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Year(s):2020 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Find out more:ec.europa.eu

Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards trans fat, other than trans fat naturally occurring in fat of animal origin

Measures to limit or virtually eliminate industrially-produced trans fatty acids in food intended for the final consumer and/or for supply to retail. Adopted by The European Commission from April 2019. (Available in multiple languages)

Categories:Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2019 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:The European Commission
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/36162 (last accessed 12.07.22)

Physical activity guidelines

Guidelines on physical activity for different age groups and with reference to physiological and pathophysiological situations and specific subgroups of the population.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2019 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Linked document:Download linked document

Give me 5 Campaign

An educational campaign to prevent obesity in children, by teaching the importance of a healthy, balanced diet.

Categories (partial):Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2018 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Mati Group in collaboration with the Pancrazio Association, Federation Italiana Medici Pediatricians (FIMP), of the Italian Association of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition (Adi) and of the Bambino Gesu 'Pediatric Hospital of Rome
Find out more:www.regioni.it
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Available from http://www.regioni.it/newsletter/n-3390/del-31-05-2018/obesita-infantile-al-via-la-campagna-dammi-il-5-in-10-regioni-18142/ (Accessed August 2019).

Guidelines for healthy eating

In 2018, the Food and Nutrition Research Centre released the revised version of 'Linee guida per una sana alimentazione', the Italian nutritional guidelines for healthy eating.

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2018 (ongoing)
Organisation:Food and Nutrition Research Centre
Linked document:Download linked document

Linee guida per una sana alimentazione 2018

More than ten years after the last revision, the 2018 revision of the Guidelines for healthy eating is published. It is the Italian reference document on healthy eating aimed at consumers. It collects and periodically updates a series of food recommendations and indications, elaborated by a specific scientific commission, made up of prestigious scholars from the world of nutrition and beyond

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2018 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Find out more:www.crea.gov.it

School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk Scheme

"Applicable since 1 August 2017, the EU school fruit, vegetables and milk scheme combines two previous schemes (the school fruit and vegetables scheme and the school milk scheme) under a single legal framework for more efficiency and an enhanced focus on health and educational. The scheme supports the distribution of products, educational measures and information measures. The scheme supports the distribution of fruit, vegetables, milk and certain milk products to schoolchildren, from nursery to secondary school. EU countries approve a list of products (in collaboration with their health and nutrition authorities) which will help achieve the schemes objective of helping children to follow a healthy diet. Priority is for fresh fruit and vegetables and for plain milk. In order to support a varied diet and/or specific nutritional needs, EU countries may also make processed fruit and vegetables such as juices and soups and certain milk products such as yoghurt and cheese, available. Additionally, under stricter conditions, milk-based drinks may be included." - EU Commission

Categories:Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2017 (ongoing)
Organisation:European Commission
Find out more:ec.europa.eu
References:https://ec.europa.eu/info/food-farming-fisheries/key-policies/common-agricultural-policy/market-measures/school-fruit-vegetables-and-milk-scheme/school-scheme-explained_en

Shared objectives for the improvement of nutritional characteristics of food products with particular attention to the population of children (3-12 years)

In 2004, the Self-Regulatory Code of Conduct on Commercial Communication was expanded to protect children's nutrition. The regulations apply for children aged 3–12 years old and indicate that marketing aimed at children should not encourage or imply ‘unhealthy dietary behaviours’ through product design and packaging. The Ministry of Health later developed guidelines to inform the implementation of the voluntary marketing code.

Categories:Evidence of Marketing Guidelines/Policy
Categories (partial):Industry/Government regulations - voluntary /pledges
Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2017 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Find out more:www.salute.gov.it
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Ministry of Health. Shared objectives for the improvement of nutritional characteristics of food products with particular attention to the population of children (3-12 years) - Monitoring report 2017. Available from: http://www.salute.gov.it/imgs/C_17_opuscoliPoster_376_ulterioriallegati_ulterioreallegato_0_alleg.pdf (Accessed 6 March 2019).

EU Regulation 1169/2011

Passed in 2011, EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the Provision of Food Information to Consumers requires a list of the nutrient content of most pre-packaged food to be provided on the back of the pack from October 2011.

Categories:Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Year(s):2016 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:European Parliament and the Council of the European Union
Find out more:eur-lex.europa.eu
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en/node/22917 (last accessed 28.06.22)

GNPR 2016-2017: Infant and young child nutrition - Breastfeeding promotion and/or counselling

This programme was reported by countries for the 2nd WHO Global Nutrition Policy Review 2016-2017 module on actions related to infant and young child nutrition. Information provided by WHO GINA Programme.

Categories:Evidence of Breastfeeding promotion or related activity
Year(s):2016 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Find out more:extranet.who.int
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en

Italian Society for Obesity (SIO) management algorithm for overweight or obese patients

A therapeutic algorithmic chart based on the well-established EOSS (Edmonton Obesity Staging System) composed of five stages. Uses colour coding to identify appropriate treatment options depending on stage of EOSS, BMI category and age group.

Categories:Evidence of Management/treatment guidelines
Year(s):2016 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Italian Society for Obesity (SIO)
Find out more:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Santini, F, Busetto, L, Cresci, B. and Sbraccia, P. (2016). SIO management algorithm for patients with overweight or obesity: consensus statement of the Italian Society for Obesity (SIO). Eating and Weight disorders. 2016(21). pp. 305–307.

European Union (EU) Action Plan on Childhood Obesity 2014-2020

EU Action plan. To contribute to halting the rise in overweight and obesity in children and young people (0-18 years) by 2020

Categories:Transnational Obesity Strategies/Policy or Action Plan
Year(s):2014-2020
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Find out more:ec.europa.eu
Linked document:Download linked document
References:EU Action Plan on Childhood Table of contents [Internet]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/health/files/nutrition_physical_activity/docs/childhoodobesity_actionplan_2014_2020_en.pdf ‌

National Health Plan

Italian national health plan, including national obesity strategy

Categories:Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Year(s):2014-2019
Target age group:Adults and children
References:https://extranet.who.int/ncdccs/Data/ITA_B11_National%20health%20Plan%202014-2019.pdf

The Class Sports (Sport di Classe) programme

Class Sport is a project to promote physical education from primary school onwards.

Categories:Evidence of Physical Activity Guidelines/Policy
Year(s):2014 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Ministry of Education, Universities and Research, the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) and the Presidency of the Council of Ministers
Find out more:www.progettosportdiclasse.it

Intensive Lifestyle Intervention to Treat Overweight/Obese Children and Adolescents

A multidisciplinary intervention including nutrition, exercise, and psychological aspects based on a family-based approach which was delivered for six months for children and three months for adolescents. The intervention aimed to assess the effects of participants' risk of cardiometabolic disease, changes in body composition, adherence to a Mediterranean diet and physical performance.

Categories:Evidence of Multidisciplinary Intervention
Year(s):2013-2014
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Ranucci et al
Find out more:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Ranucci et al. 2017. Effects of an Intensive Lifestyle Intervention to Treat Overweight/Obese Children and Adolescents. Biomed Res Int. doi: 10.1155/2017/8573725.

Evaluation of the EU school milk and fruit scheme

European Court of Auditors (2011) Are the school milk and school fruit schemes effective? Special Report No 10. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.

Categories:Health Effectiveness Reviews (obesity related)
Year(s):2011 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:EUROPEAN COURT OF AUDITORS
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Information provided with kind permission of World Cancer Research Fund International from their NOURISHING framework www.wcrf.org/NOURISHING

Healthy Stadia Network

"At Healthy Stadia, we encourage professional and amateur sports clubs, league operators, national and international governing bodies of sport to develop their stadia and sports facilities as health-promoting environments. We do this by supporting them to adopt a range of policies and practices in support of the health of their fans, their staff and the surrounding community. The definition we give to Healthy Stadia is: Healthy Stadia are… those who promote the health of visitors, fans, players, employees and the surrounding community… places where people can go to have a positive, healthy experience playing or watching sport."

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2008 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
References:https://healthystadia.eu/healthy-stadia-concept/

Gaining Health - Guadagnare salute

This is a coordinated action plan for counteracting the 4 leading risk factors for noncommunicable diseases, including poor nutrition.

Year(s):2007 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Council of Ministers
Find out more:www.salute.gov.it
Linked document:Download linked document

A multidisciplinary weight loss intervention in overweight and obese children and adolescents

A multi-disciplinary weight loss intervention aimed at reducing overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. This intervention involved medical, psychological and nutritional sessions, during which counselling on how to modify lifestyle choices was delivered.

Categories:Evidence of Multidisciplinary Intervention
Year(s):2006-2016
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Mameli et al 2017.
Find out more:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Mameli et al 2017. Effects of a multidisciplinary weight loss intervention in overweight and obese children and adolescents: 11 years of experience. PLoS One. 2017; 12(7): e0181095.

EU health and nutrient claims regulation

Regulation nº 1924/2006 establishes EU-wide rules on the use of specified health and nutrient claims. The European Commission approves claims provided they are based on scientific evidence and accessible consumers. The European Food Safety Authority is responsible for evaluating the scientific evidence supporting health claims. Nutrition claims may only be used on food defined as "healthy" by a nutrient profile.

Categories:Labelling Regulation/Guidelines
Year(s):2006 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:European Commission
Linked document:Download linked document
References:https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32006R1924

IDEFICS - Identification and prevention of Dietary- and lifestyle-induced health EFfects In Children and infantS

"A community-oriented intervention programme for primary prevention of obesity in a controlled study design. This intervention part of the IDEFICS study examined feasibility, effectiveness and sustainability of a coherent set of intervention modules addressing diet, physical activity and coping with stress."

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2006-2012
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Bremen Institute for Prevention Research and Social Medicine
Find out more:www.ideficsstudy.eu
References:https://www.ideficsstudy.eu/index.php?id=1161&L=144%27%27A%3D0

Nutrition-Friendly Schools Initiative (NFSI)

"The NFSI is a school-based programme that addresses the double burden of malnutrition –undernutrition, including micronutrient deficiencies, and overweight/obesity. It is a tool for developing a school environment that promotes the nutritional well-being of school-age children and increases their physical activity levels."

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Year(s):2006 (ongoing)
Target age group:Children
Organisation:World Health Organization
Linked document:Download linked document
References:https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/default/files/nutrition_physical_activity/docs/implementation_report_a1c_en.pdf

Weight loss intervention

Counselling on lifestyle changes in small groups attending the clinic (advice on healthy eating, exercise, and reducing screen time).

Categories:Evidence of Multidisciplinary Intervention
Year(s):2006-2016
Target age group:Children
Organisation:Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic of V. Buzzi Children's Hospital
Find out more:journals.plos.org
Linked document:Download linked document
References:Mameli, C, Krakauer, J.C, Krakauer, N.Y, Bosetti, A, Ferrari, C.M, Schneider, L, Borsani, B, Arrigoni, S, Pendezza, E, Zuccotti, G.V. (2017) 'Effects of a multidisciplinary weight loss intervention in overweight and obese children and adolescents: 11 years of experience' PLOSone, 12(7), https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0181095.

Guidelines for healthy Italian food habits

These guidelines aim to establish and disseminate the basic information for a balanced diet.

Categories (partial):Evidence of Nutritional or Health Strategy/ Guidelines/Policy/Action plan
Year(s):2003 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:Ministry of Health
Find out more:sito.entecra.it
Linked document:Download linked document
References:National Research Institute on Food and Nutrition

Code of Marketing Communication Self-Regulation

The self-regulatory organisation for the advertising industry, the Istituto dellâ Autodisciplina Pubblicitaria (IAP) has a â Code of Marketing Communication Self-Regulation❠(1966, 47th edition effective January 16th, 2009) which includes a section on children and young people and mentions food. 59th edition - 2015.

Categories:Industry/Government regulations - voluntary /pledges
Year(s):1966 (ongoing)
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:The self-regulatory organisation for the advertising industry, the Istituto dellâ Autodisciplina Pubblicitaria (IAP)
Find out more:www.iap.it
Linked document:Download linked document

Giocampus

The Giocampus project is a multi-areas and multi-partner nutrition and sport educational program for children aged from 6 to 14 years held at the University of Parma in Italy. It joins physical activities, nutrition education, play and expressive and creative activities.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Target age group:Children
Organisation:The program is supported by the Town Council, School Inspectorate, Postgraduate School of Paediatrics, Graduate school of Sport and Exercise Sciences of University, Sport Clubs, the food industry and the media.
Find out more:www.giocampus.it

GNPR 2016-17 (q7) Breastfeeeding promotion and/or counselling

WHO Global Nutrition Policy Review 2016-2017 reported the evidence of breastfeeding promotion and/or counselling (q7)

Categories:Evidence of Breastfeeding promotion or related activity
Target age group:Adults
Organisation:Ministry of Health (information provided by the GINA progam)
Find out more:extranet.who.int
References:Information provided with kind permission of WHO Global database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA): https://extranet.who.int/nutrition/gina/en

Grow Felix Project

"GROW FELIX" a project promoted by the Campania Regional Health Department, Campania Regional School Office...(which) addresses the issue of promoting proper nutrition and adequate physical activity with didactic itineraries specifically outlined for primary schools"

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Target age group:Children
References:https://www.secondocircolopomigliano.eu/scuola/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Crescer-Felix.pdf

Standard Italiani per la Cura dell Obesita   SIO-ADI 2016-17

Obesity Guidelines covering both adults and children in terms of Adults and Children_x000D__x000D_ _x000D__x000D_ Prevention, Classification, Diagnosis, Treatment

Categories:Evidence of Management/treatment guidelines
Categories (partial):Evidence of National Obesity Strategy/Policy or Action plan
Target age group:Adults and children
Organisation:(SIP) Societa Italiana di Pediatria (SINut) Societa  Italiana di Nutraceutica(SISDCA) Societa  Italiana per lo Studio dei Disturbi del Comportamento Alimentare
Find out more:www.sio-obesita.org
Linked document:Download linked document
References:i Standard Italiani per la Cura della Obesita  SIO-ADI 2016-17. (SIP) Societa  Italiana di PediatriaSINut), Societa Italiana di Nutraceutica, (SISDCA) Societa  Italiana per lo Studio dei Disturbi del Comportamento Alimentare

The Walking bus - PIEDIBUS scheme

A scheme that promotes physical activity by walking to school.

Categories:Evidence of Community Interventions/Campaign
Target age group:Children
Organisation:The scheme is run by the municipalities, local health authorities, schools and parents associations.
Find out more:www.piedibus.it

No actions could be found for the above criteria.

Contextual factors

Disclaimer: These contextual factors should be interpreted with care. Results are updated as regularly as possible and use very specific criteria. The criteria used and full definitions are available for download at the bottom of this page.

Tap on a tick to find out more about policies influencing this factor.

Labelling

Is there mandatory nutrition labelling?Present
Front-of-package labelling?Absent
Back-of-pack nutrition declaration?Present
Color coding?Absent
Warning label?Absent

Regulation and marketing

Are there fiscal policies on unhealthy products?Absent
Tax on unhealthy foods?Absent
Tax on unhealthy drinks?Absent
Are there fiscal policies on healthy products?Absent
Subsidy on fruits?Absent
Subsidy on vegetables?Absent
Subsidy on other healthy products?Absent
Mandatory limit or ban of trans fat (all settings)?Present
Mandatory limit of trans fats in place (all settings)? Present
Ban on trans-fats or phos in place (all settings)? Absent
Are there any mandatory policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children?Absent
Mandatory restriction on broadcast media?Absent
Mandatory restriction on non-broadcast media?Absent
Voluntary policies/marketing restrictions on the promotion of unhealthy food/drinks to children?Present
Are there mandatory standards for food in schools?Absent
Are there any mandatory nutrient limits in any manufactured food products?Absent
Nutrition standards for public sector procurement?Absent

Political will and support

National obesity strategy or nutrition and physical activity national strategy?Present
National obesity strategy?Present
National childhood obesity strategy?Absent
Comprehensive nutrition strategy?Present
Comprehensive physical activity strategy?Present
Evidence-based dietary guidelines and/or RDAs?Present
National target(s) on reducing obesity?Absent
Guidelines/policy on obesity treatment?Present
Promotion of breastfeeding?Present

Monitoring and surveillance

Monitoring of the prevalence and incidence for the main obesity-related NCDs and risk factors?Present
Within 5 years?Present

Governance and resource

Multi-sectoral national co-ordination mechanism for obesity or nutrition (including obesity)?Absent

Key

Present
Present (voluntary)
Incoming
Absent
Unknown

Last updated September 13, 2022

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Download contextual factors as a PDF Contextual factors definitions

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