40% of Italians Overweight as North-South Gap Narrows, ISS Reports
Rome: Some 40% of Italians are now classified as overweight, and the traditional north-south disparity in obesity rates is shrinking, as more residents of northern Italy become overweight or obese, according to the Higher Health Institute (ISS). This report comes as the country prepares to observe World Obesity Day on Tuesday.
According to Ansa News Agency, the ISS revealed that 4 out of 10 Italian adults are overweight, with 3 in this category being overweight and 1 being classified as obese. While the southern regions still report a higher percentage of overweight individuals, the gap between the north and south has decreased slightly over the last 15 years. This information was derived from the Passi surveillance system of the Istituto Superiore di Sanit , covering data from 2022-2023 for individuals aged 18 to 69.
The ISS cautions that without lifestyle changes, those who are overweight may progress to obesity, which is linked to a higher risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and joint problems, all of which can reduce life expectancy and quality of life.
A closer look at the data reveals that excess weight is more prevalent among men than women (52% vs. 34%), among people facing economic difficulties (52% vs. 39%), and among those with lower educational levels (63% vs. 32%). Additionally, age plays a role in weight trends: 27% of those aged 18-34 are overweight, with this figure rising to 53% after age 50, peaking at 58% among those aged 65-74, and then decreasing to 46% in those over 85.
Despite the geographical gradient still disadvantaging southern regions, areas like Molise, Campania, Basilicata, and Puglia continue to have nearly half of their populations classified as overweight. However, the gap between the north and south has narrowed due to a gradual increase in obesity rates in northern regions, while the rest of the country remains relatively stable.
The Passi data indicates that health workers’ attention to the issue of overweight individuals is limited, with less than half of those interviewed reporting having received medical advice to lose weight. While obesity receives more medical focus, overweight individuals receive significantly less attention. Medical advice proves crucial, as those advised to diet by healthcare professionals are more likely to follow through (46% vs. 17%).
In regions where the problem of excess weight is most acute, such as the south, healthcare workers’ attention is notably lacking. Moreover, recommendations for physical activity are even less frequent among those who are overweight, as highlighted by the Passi data.