Share of overweight or obese adults in Italy 2023, by region

In 2023, Apulia was the Italian region recording the highest share of overweight or obese adults in Italy. Campania and Basilicata followed, with shares of overweight or obese adults of 51 and 50 percent, respectively. Generally, this condition was more common in the Southern than in the Northern regions of Italy.

Profile of overweight and obese adults

Between 2021 and 2022, the share of obese and overweight people in Italy decreased the higher the person’s education level. For example, the share of obese people among those with none, or only elementary education, was roughly 22 percent, while it was about six percent for people with a degree. During the same period, obese individuals also tended to have greater economic difficulties. Furthermore, for almost all age groups, obesity was most common among men.

Diabetes and obesity

As of 2022, there were over 5.6 million obese individuals living in Italy, roughly one million more than in 2015. Among the number of different impairments and illnesses that obesity is a risk factor for, diabetes is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In 2021, the share of obese women suffering from diabetes reached almost 17 percent, while 14.1 percent of obese men also had diabetes.