Italian children, especially in southern regions like Campania, face high obesity rates, with Ponticelli being a child obesity capital.
The traditional Mediterranean diet has been largely replaced by ultra-processed foods and high-calorie meals (pizza, pasta, potatoes, protein, bread).
Many parents do not recognize their children's weight as a problem due to cultural beliefs that associate chubbiness with health.
Schools often lack space for physical activity, making it difficult to promote exercise among children.
Medical interventions include weight-loss surgery and GLP-1 injections, but some patients are too heavy for surgery.
Italy passed a law recognizing obesity as a chronic, progressive disease, shifting focus from poor choices to biological and social factors.
Controversial interventions like fasting-mimicking diets are being trialed for adolescents, but experts warn of psychological risks such as eating disorders.
Educational programs in schools aim to teach children and families about healthy eating, but some teenagers remain unconvinced.