Obesity is an increasingly common medical condition worldwide and represents a major challenge for public health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, more than 1 billion people globally were affected by obesity: 650 million adults, 340 million adolescents, and 39 million children. These numbers show a steady rise over recent decades, making obesity one of the most significant health threats of the 21st century.
In Italy, according to the 2024 ISTAT report, about 12% of the adult population is obese, with higher rates in southern regions. Additionally, the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) reports that around 25% of children aged 8 to 9 are overweight or obese—placing Italy among the European countries with the highest rates of childhood obesity.
What is obesity and how is it measured?
Obesity is commonly assessed using the Body Mass Index (BMI), calculated by dividing a person’s weight by the square of their height (kg/m²). A BMI over 30 is considered obese, while a value between 25 and 29.9 is classified as overweight. However, BMI is only a general indicator and does not take into account fat distribution, which can differently affect health risks.
Obesity can take different forms, such as central (abdominal) or peripheral obesity, and often results from a complex interaction of genetic, environmental, metabolic, and behavioral factors.
The causes of obesity: a multifactorial overview
Weight gain arises from an imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure, but the underlying causes are diverse. Physical inactivity, poor nutrition high in calorie-dense foods, and genetic or hormonal influences all play key roles.
Psychological factors such as stress, depression, or eating disorders can also negatively affect dietary habits and lifestyle, creating a vicious cycle that is hard to break without proper support.
Health consequences
Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and some forms of cancer. According to the WHO, obesity is responsible for around 4 million deaths globally each year.
In Italy, ISS data shows that people with obesity are three times more likely to develop diabetes than those with normal weight. Obesity also negatively affects quality of life, contributing to joint problems, sleep apnea, psychological disorders, and reduced ability to perform daily activities.
Treatment and prevention strategies
Treating obesity requires a personalized and integrated approach, aiming to modify eating habits and lifestyle, encourage regular physical activity, and support patients in managing emotional and psychological aspects.
In more complex cases, pharmacological therapies or bariatric surgery may be considered—always following careful specialist evaluation. Approved medications such as GLP-1 agonists have shown effectiveness but should be part of a structured treatment plan.
Prevention remains the most effective tool: educating children early on healthy living, promoting physical activity, and encouraging a balanced diet are essential to counter the growing rates of obesity in the population.
A personalized care pathway at Minihospital
At Minihospital, we address obesity with a comprehensive approach that considers every aspect of the individual. From early diagnosis to the creation of a tailored treatment plan, our multidisciplinary team supports each patient in achieving sustainable improvements in health and quality of life.
For more information or to book a consultation, contact us.
