ICPO has welcomed Italy’s landmark decision to become the first country in the world to formally recognise obesity in law as a chronic disease.
The legislation marks a historic moment in obesity policy and has the potential to transform how obesity is understood, treated, and managed, both in Italy and beyond. For decades, people living with obesity have faced stigma, misunderstanding, and barriers to accessing appropriate healthcare. By enshrining obesity in law as a chronic, recurring disease, Italy has taken a significant step towards recognising the realities faced by millions of people.
The new legislation aims to move the conversation away from outdated perceptions of obesity as a simple lifestyle choice and towards a modern understanding based on scientific evidence. It establishes a framework that supports prevention, management, and treatment while recognising obesity as a complex disease influenced by biological, environmental, psychological, and social factors.
The legislation includes several notable measures, including the creation of a dedicated public fund to address obesity, provisions aimed at improving access to treatment, initiatives to tackle body shaming and weight stigma, and policies designed to promote healthier food environments. The law also introduces a national day dedicated to combating body shaming, recognising the damaging impact that stigma and discrimination can have on the physical and mental wellbeing of people living with obesity.
ECPO Executive Director and ICPO Board Chairperson Vicki Mooney described the legislation as a turning point for obesity policy across Europe.
“Italy has set an important precedent by becoming the first European country to enshrine in law that obesity is a chronic, recurring disease. This milestone should inspire other governments to act together and address obesity as a shared European epidemic. Now is the time for countries across Europe to follow Italy’s example, ensuring that people living with obesity everywhere have equal access to quality, affordable treatment and management.”
The significance of this legislation extends far beyond Italy’s borders. Across Europe, obesity affects millions of people, yet access to treatment remains inconsistent and obesity continues to be viewed differently from many other chronic diseases. While scientific understanding has advanced considerably, healthcare systems and policy frameworks have often struggled to keep pace.
By legislating obesity as a chronic disease, Italy has demonstrated that governments can take meaningful action to align policy with evidence. The law provides a framework for addressing obesity through healthcare, prevention, education, and public policy rather than relying solely on individual responsibility.
For patient organisations such as ICPO and others across Europe, this development represents a powerful example of what can be achieved when advocacy, science, and political leadership come together. It offers hope that other countries may now consider similar approaches, helping to improve access to care, reduce stigma, and ensure that people living with obesity receive the support they need.
Italy has opened the door to a new era of obesity policy. The challenge now is for the rest of Europe to build upon this momentum and ensure that recognition of obesity as a chronic disease becomes the standard rather than the exception.
For people living with obesity, this is more than a legislative change. It is a statement that their experiences are recognised, their health matters, and they deserve access to the same dignity, care, and support afforded to those living with any other chronic disease.
