Italy overhauls approach to obesity with unprecedented new legislation

Italy has taken the unprecedented step of passing a law that recognises obesity as a chronic, progressive and relapsing disease, which is set to affect the country's treatment and prevention initiatives.

With the law’s entry into force in late October, Italy became the first European country to embed a modern medical and social understanding of obesity into national legislation at the highest level, as reported by Italian media outlets.

For decades, excess fat accumulation was viewed as the result of poor habits, weak discipline or unhealthy dietary choices. Yet scientific research has demonstrated that its origins are far more complex, shaped by interactions between genetic, environmental, metabolic and social factors.

The new legislation establishes a national framework that recognises obesity more comprehensively than any other European country to date: as a chronic condition with guaranteed public healthcare provisions for prevention, treatment and long-term follow-up.

The World Health Organization describes obesity as an “escalating global epidemic” and has labelled its worldwide spread “globesity”. According to the 2025 World Obesity Atlas, global prevalence is projected to rise by more than 115% between 2010 and 2030.

Recognising obesity as a disease also means acknowledging that it demands specialised medical care rather than moral judgment. By defining it as a chronic disease with broad health, social and economic consequences, Italy’s law promotes integrated policies for prevention and treatment. Its approach combines prevention, education, research and targeted support through a national programme and a dedicated observatory.

The new national plan, which was formally approved by the Chamber of Deputies back in May, introduces some important updates, including the inclusion of obesity treatments in the Essential Levels of Care (LEA), meaning that the national health system will cover specialist visits, diagnostic tests, and targeted therapies.

Key measures are also to include public information and education campaigns on healthy eating and physical activity, as well as school and community initiatives to promote healthier environments. While the law does not introduce taxes or labelling rules, it lays the foundation for a cross-sector national strategy.

The Lancet devoted several pages of its October 2025 issue to Italy’s pioneering decision. “The targeted public health strategies proposed by the Italian Government represents a crucial step towards reducing treatment costs and curbing mortality rates," the journal notes.

One step ahead of European neighbours

Several European countries have moved in a similar direction to Italy.

Portugal’s Despacho 12634/2023, approved in December 2023, introduced an Integrated Care Model for the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity within the national health service. Although not a law, it defines obesity as a chronic public health issue and strengthens specialised treatment networks.

Germany’s Bundestag recognised obesity as a medical and social disease in 2020 under its National Diabetes Strategy, but the move did not include a legal framework guaranteeing specific health benefits or coverage.

The United Kingdom also lacks legislation akin to Italy’s, although its National Health Service classifies obesity as a chronic and urgent condition, emphasising prevention and long-term treatment.

The article highlights that Italy’s next major challenge will be the effective and sustainable implementation of these measures, ensuring coordinated action and continuous monitoring. If Italy’s model proves successful, it could reshape global approaches to understanding and addressing obesity.

By Nazrin Sadigova