Pizza, pasta, potatoes, protein - how Italian children became so overweight
Summary
Many children in Italy, especially in the southern region of Campania, are becoming overweight or obese, which was once unusual given the country’s traditional Mediterranean diet. Doctors report more young patients with severe obesity and associated health problems, and they are using treatments like weight-loss injections and surgery to help, though some cases are too risky for surgery.Key Facts
- Over 40% of eight and nine-year-old children in parts of Campania are overweight.
- Ponticelli, a town near Naples, is known as a hotspot for child obesity.
- Italian children are now among the most overweight in Europe, according to the WHO.
- Dr. Sonja Chiappetta, who treats obesity at Betania Hospital, says more teenagers are requiring treatment.
- Traditional Mediterranean diet habits have declined, with only about 10% of Italians following it today.
- Diets now often include lots of pizza, pasta, potatoes, protein, and bread, plus many processed foods.
- Parents often do not realize their children are overweight and may only notice health issues like coughs or stomach pain.
- New treatments include GLP-1 injections that reduce appetite to help patients lose weight before surgery.
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