Childhood overweight and obesity: the contribution made by the National Program Guadagnare Salute

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Obesity is a complex condition, now recognized as a pathology, as well as being a risk factor for other noninfectious diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, tumours etc.) The data from the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrate that obesity can also be an important factor for the development of complications in infectious diseases. International studies have shown that the prevalence of obesity has increased in many countries from about 1975, especially among youngsters, which threatens a new emergency for public health. With the encouragement of the WHO and the National Program Guardagnare Salute, the surveillance system OKkio alla SALUTE was launched in Italy in 2007, and since then, has collected data to estimate the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity and its associated risk factors. Materials and methods: Between 2008 and 2019 data were collected on children aged 8-9 years, on six occasions using samples that were representative at regional level (and sometimes at local health service level) using personnel who were trained using methods and instruments that were validated and the same throughout the country. Other information on possible associated variables was collected using four questionnaires which were completed by the children, their parents, their teachers and the head-teachers of the selected classes. Participation in the Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative of the WHO European Region makes international comparisons possible. On the basis of the results obtained so far, a series of initiatives for communication and activities for prevention have been developed at national and local level.