Does Italy Have a High Rate of Obesity? Unpacking the Mediterranean Paradox

January 4, 2026 •

3 min read

While Italy boasts one of the lowest adult obesity rates in Western Europe, startling data reveals that childhood obesity is among the highest on the continent. The question of whether Italy has a high rate of obesity therefore has a complex answer that depends heavily on the age group being examined.

Quick Summary

This article examines Italy's obesity trends, contrasting low adult rates with significantly higher childhood and regional figures. It discusses contributing factors like sedentary lifestyles, socioeconomic status, and the shift from the traditional Mediterranean diet.

Key Points

Low Adult Obesity Rate: Italy has one of the lowest adult obesity rates in Western Europe, partly thanks to the traditional Mediterranean diet.
High Childhood Obesity Rate: In stark contrast, Italy has one of the highest childhood overweight and obesity rates in Europe, a major public health concern.
Southern Regions at Higher Risk: Obesity rates are significantly higher in Italy's southern regions compared to the north, influenced by lifestyle and socioeconomic factors.
Socioeconomic Factors Play a Role: Lower income and education levels are linked to higher obesity rates, as access to affordable, healthy food can be challenging.
Shift from Traditional Diet: The increasing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and the adoption of processed foods, moving away from the Mediterranean diet, contribute to rising obesity.
Government Intervention: The Italian government has recognized obesity as a chronic disease and is implementing national prevention plans and public health surveillance programs.

Is Italy's Adult Obesity Rate High?

Despite its global reputation for indulging in pasta and other delicacies, Italy's adult obesity rate is surprisingly low when compared to many other developed nations. According to Eurostat data from 2022, Italy had one of the lowest proportions of obese adults in the EU, at 6.1% for women and 7.9% for men. This is significantly lower than countries like Malta (22.7% for women) and the United States, where adult obesity rates are considerably higher. A key factor attributed to this lower adult rate is the adherence, albeit declining, to the traditional Mediterranean diet, characterized by fresh foods, healthy fats, and balanced meals. Italians also historically prioritize walking and cycling, which contributes to higher levels of physical activity compared to more car-centric cultures.

The Alarming Rise of Childhood Obesity

Contrasting sharply with its adult population, Italy faces a serious and disproportionately high rate of childhood obesity, a concern recognized as a major public health issue. A 2020 report from the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that over 20% of Italian children were overweight, with 9.4% considered obese and 2.4% severely obese. This places Italy among the countries with the highest rates of childhood overweight and obesity in Europe. Factors contributing to this trend include a move away from traditional family cooking towards processed foods and sugary drinks, coupled with increased sedentary screen time.

Regional Differences and Socioeconomic Disparities

Obesity rates are not uniform across Italy, with significant geographical and socioeconomic disparities evident. The problem is particularly pronounced in the country's southern regions, where overweight rates among children and adolescents are substantially higher than in the north. This regional divide is tied to several factors, including socioeconomic status and lifestyle changes.

Geographical Divide: The south and islands show higher rates of excess weight compared to northern and central Italy.
Socioeconomic Status: Studies consistently show an inverse relationship between obesity and education level, where individuals with lower education and income are more susceptible to obesity. This is partially due to the higher cost and lower accessibility of fresh, healthy foods in low-income areas.

The Impact of Lifestyle on Obesity in Italy

Lifestyle choices play a crucial role in the development of obesity. While the Mediterranean diet has long been a protective factor, modern habits have eroded its benefits, especially among younger generations.

Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle is widespread, with over a third of Italian adults not engaging in leisure-time physical activity, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dietary Shifts: The shift towards pre-packaged and processed foods high in calories and sugar has become more common, particularly among lower-income families who may find them cheaper than fresh produce.
Screen Time: Italy has among the highest rates of children spending more than two hours per day on electronic devices, contributing to sedentary behavior and higher obesity risk.

Public Health Initiatives and Future Outlook

In response to these trends, the Italian government and health organizations have implemented various policies and programs to combat obesity. In October 2025, Italy passed a law recognizing obesity as a chronic disease, a significant step in tackling the stigma and ensuring proper care.

National Prevention Plans: Italy has national and regional plans focusing on noncommunicable disease prevention and healthy lifestyle promotion.
Surveillance Programs: Initiatives like 'OKkio alla Salute' for children and 'PASSI' for adults monitor health behaviors and risk factors across the country.
Targeted Education: Campaigns promoting healthy eating and physical activity are being developed for schools and the general population.

Comparison of Obesity Trends: Italy vs. Other EU Countries


Statistic	Italy (2022)	EU Average (2022)	US (2022 est.)
Overweight Adults	41.3%	50.6%	~73.6%
Obese Adults	~12% (2022 est.)	~16%	~41.9%
Obese Children (7-9)	9.4% (2020)	Varied	Varied
Overall Trend	Increasing	Increasing	Increasing
Primary Contributing Factor	Lifestyle shifts	Sedentary lifestyles	Diet and lifestyle

Conclusion

The question of whether Italy has a high rate of obesity requires a nuanced answer that distinguishes between its adult and pediatric populations. While adult obesity rates remain among the lowest in Western Europe, the high incidence of childhood obesity, particularly in the southern regions, signals a worrying public health trend. The erosion of traditional dietary and lifestyle habits, combined with socioeconomic factors, poses a significant challenge to the nation's health. With obesity now recognized as a chronic disease by Italian law, there is a renewed commitment to addressing this issue through prevention, education, and targeted healthcare interventions. However, the success of these programs will depend on effectively reversing the sedentary and dietary trends that are increasingly putting the health of the youngest Italians at risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Italy's adult obesity rate is lower than the EU average. In 2022, Italy reported one of the lowest percentages of overweight and obese adults in the EU, standing at 41.3% for overweight and notably lower for obesity compared to the EU average of 50.6% overweight.

High rates of childhood obesity in Italy are attributed to factors such as increasingly sedentary lifestyles, a high percentage of children consuming sugary drinks, and a shift away from traditional, healthy dietary patterns towards processed foods.

While the traditional Mediterranean diet, rich in fresh, whole foods and healthy fats, has historically helped maintain low adult obesity rates, a shift away from this eating pattern, especially among younger generations, is undermining its protective benefits.

There is a notable north-south divide in Italy's obesity rates. Overweight and obesity are more prevalent in the southern regions and islands, where sedentary habits are more widespread, and socioeconomic conditions may differ from the north.

Italy has implemented national prevention plans that include surveillance systems like 'OKkio alla Salute' for children and 'PASSI' for adults. Recently, the country also passed a law recognizing obesity as a chronic disease.

Yes, obesity is more prevalent among socially disadvantaged groups in Italy, particularly those with lower levels of education and income. This is partly due to the higher cost of healthier foods and limited access to resources that support an active lifestyle.

Italy's adult obesity rate is significantly lower than that of the United States. In contrast, while adult rates differ widely, the concerning aspect in Italy is the high rate of childhood obesity compared to many European peers.