In a historic move, Italy has become the first country in the world to formally recognise obesity as a chronic disease, following the approval of a landmark bill by the Italian Chamber of Deputies. The bill will now move to the Senate for final consideration, but its current form already marks a major milestone for people living with obesity—not just in Italy, but globally.
For the patient community, this is more than a policy decision. It’s a validation of lived experience and a call to action for better care, understanding, and support.
What the Bill Includes:
🔹 Recognition of Obesity as a Chronic Disease
Obesity will be officially recognised in Italy’s healthcare system and included in the Essential Levels of Assistance (LEA)—a vital step toward equitable access to care.
🔹 Implementation of Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment
The bill supports the full implementation of Italy’s existing framework for managing obesity, ensuring that prevention, early diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment options are available.
🔹 Improved Access to Specialist Care
More dedicated obesity management centres will be established, and family doctors will be given a stronger role in identifying and supporting patients earlier in their journey.
🔹 Healthier Food Environments
The law will work to regulate advertising and reduce the consumption of foods linked to poor health outcomes—especially among young people.
🔹 Addressing Stigma
Importantly, the bill includes measures to address weight stigma and discrimination, helping to shift public perception and foster greater respect and dignity for people living with obesity.
🔹 Support for Research
Ongoing scientific research into obesity, its causes, and treatments will be strengthened, creating a pathway to more innovative and effective care.
This groundbreaking development is the result of tireless work by patient associations, scientific societies, and public institutions. Their united voice has helped bring the lived experience of obesity into the centre of healthcare decision-making.
For the obesity patient community, this sends a powerful message: you matter, your voice is heard, and change is possible.
As this bill moves to the Senate, it sets a global precedent for recognising obesity as a disease—and lays the foundation for a more compassionate, evidence-based approach to care.
Let’s keep the momentum going.
Let’s continue #AddressingObesityTogether.