On October 9, 2025, Italy took the unprecedented step of ratifying Law which recognizes obesity as a chronic, progressive and disease-causing disease. This law got here into effect on October 25.
To date, no other European country has enacted a national law that recognizes obesity with such breadth: as a chronic condition with specific guarantees of prevention, treatment and follow-up included in public health care.
Some European countries have taken steps in the identical direction. of Portugal Order 12634/2023approved in December 2023, it implemented a collaborative care model for the prevention and treatment of obesity in its National Health Service. Although it will not be a law, it defines obesity as a chronic public health problem, and strengthens the specialized network of treatment.
The Bundestag of Germany recognized obesity as a medical and social disease In 2020as a part of its National Diabetes Strategy. However, it didn’t include a legal framework to ensure specific health advantages or coverage.
While Britain, like Italy, lacks laws, The National Health Service classifies obesity As a chronic, urgent condition, with an emphasis on prevention and long-term treatment.
A structural problem, not a person
Italy's latest laws – to which the Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology magazine is devoted Several pages in this October 2025 issue – marks a turning point in Europe. He is the primary to include modern medical and social theory of obesity into law at a high level.
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The latest Italian laws embraces this contemporary theory, and in doing so breaks a stigma that has affected hundreds of thousands of individuals. Recognizing obesity as a disease also signifies that it requires specialized medical care, not moral judgment.
A silent epidemic
The World Health Organization describes obesity as a “growing global epidemic,” and it has named a worldwide spread. “Globosity”. 2025 World Obesity Atlas The global prevalence of the condition is estimated to extend by greater than 115% between 2010 and 2030.
Without higher prevention and treatment measures, the economic cost could reach $4.32 trillion a yr by 2035 – about 33% of worldwide GDP. These figures are comparable to the impact of Covid-19 in 2020, or the impact of climate change today.
This problem will not be limited to individual health: it’s related to a considerable increase in cardiovascular, metabolic and oncological diseases. Researchers have even coined a brand new term, Adiponosisto explain the connection between excess adipose (fatty tissue) and the event of 13 sorts of cancer.
Beyond medical attention
By recognizing obesity as a chronic disease with health, social and economic implications, Italian law also promotes integrated policies for its prevention and treatment. Its approach combines prevention, education, research and assistance through the creation of a national program and a specialized observatory.
Among its provisions, it promotes information and academic campaigns on healthy eating and physical activity, in addition to community and college initiatives aimed toward creating an environment that encourages healthy lifestyles. Although it doesn’t include financial or labeling measures, the usual underpins national strategies in many various areas.
A change in mindset
The recognition of obesity as a chronic disease with social and health controversies marks a very important symbolic shift, as affected individuals at the moment are considered deserving of health rights, care and respect. The latest standard promotes education, awareness and skilled training to enhance societal understanding of the difficulty. It goals to cut back stigma and promote a more sensitive and systematic view of obesity.
Official recognition might help change public discourse by fostering empathy and understanding slightly than judgment and blame.
The challenge now’s to implement these latest measures effectively and consistently, ensuring coordination between institutions and consistent monitoring of outcomes. If Italy's model is successful, it could encourage a change in the best way obesity is known and identified worldwide.
As The Lancet's writing authors conclude: “The public health targeting strategy proposed by the Italian government represents an important step to reduce treatment costs and prevent mortality rates”.
At a time when chronic diseases threaten the long run of our health care system, recognizing obesity as a disease that must be treated by nutrition professionals is above all an act of realism and health justice.