For 17-year-old Salvatore, daily life is a constant struggle. Weighing 170 kilograms, he finds it difficult to walk and cannot tie his own shoelaces. Salvatore is part of a rapidly growing number of children and teenagers in Italy who are living with severe obesity.
Italy has long been celebrated as the home of the Mediterranean diet, known for fresh ingredients and healthy eating. However, data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that Italian children are now among the most overweight in Europe. The problem is particularly serious in the southern region of Campania, where more than 40% of eight- and nine-year-olds are overweight. The town of Ponticelli, located near Naples, has gained a reputation as one of the world's child obesity capitals.
Medical professionals are deeply concerned by how quickly the situation is worsening. Dr. Sonja Chiappetta, a surgeon at Betania Hospital in Ponticelli, notes that most of her patients used to be in their fifties. Today, she frequently sees teenagers as young as 16 who need stomach-reduction surgery. Salvatore was hoping for surgery, but doctors determined his weight makes the operation too dangerous for now. Instead, he has been prescribed weight-loss injections to help reduce his appetite until surgery becomes safe.
Local cultural views also present a challenge to tackling the issue. At a primary school in Ponticelli, teacher Francesca Pecce expressed concern about a 10-year-old student who weighs 60 kilograms. However, talking to families is not always easy. In traditional Neapolitan culture, a chubby child is often viewed as healthy and well-cared-for rather than at risk of disease.
To address the growing crisis, Italy passed a national law in 2025 recognizing obesity as a chronic, progressive disease influenced by genetics, environment, and social conditions. Schools and foundations across Campania are launching nutrition workshops for over 17,000 students. At the same time, researchers are testing a controversial "fast-mimicking diet" designed to reset the metabolic systems of overweight adolescents. While experts debate the best methods to help young people lose weight safely, teenagers like Salvatore are hoping new treatments will give them a chance at a healthier future.