Obesity in Italy

Overview of obesity in Italy

Obesity in Italy has been increasingly cited as a major health issue in recent years.

Overall, the Italians, along with the French and the Swiss, are considered among the slimmest people in Europe on average.^[1] In 2011, Italy was the only country in Europe where the average weight dropped.^[1]

Causes

Causes are the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle choices such as exercise and getting enough sleep.^[2] However, obesity rates in Italian two-year-olds are the highest in Europe with a rate of 42%.^[2]

Effects

Several studies have shown that obese men tend to have a lower sperm count, fewer rapidly mobile sperm and fewer progressively motile sperm compared to normal-weight men.^[3]

Programs

Scientists from the University of Verona designed a new type of park to help deal with obesity in Italian children, in which an adult trainer is in charge and the children follow a series of organised exercises.^[4] All children are under six years old, and the cost of the playground was $250,000.

References

^ ^a ^b "New obesity report says world is fatter, rounder, less productive". Deutsche Welle. February 4, 2011. Retrieved February 4, 2011.
^ ^a ^b "Italien hat die dicksten Kinder in Europa". Die Welt. 13 November 2011. Retrieved 14 November 2011.
^ "Obesity linked to lower sperm count in young men". Reuters. August 11, 2010. Retrieved September 25, 2010.
^ "New park opens as Italy wrestles with record obesity". BBC. 27 June 2010. Retrieved 7 July 2010.