Obesity: unhinged inertia, Italy's 'grand alliance' sets the standard in the world
From the legislative pact to the Erice Manifesto, a shared commitment is strengthened that recognises obesity as a chronic disease and promotes more effective health policies
Obesity is a disease. And the fight against obesity is no longer an isolated battle of doctors and patients, but a systemic challenge. A challenge won thanks to the Pella Law, with which our country is officially the first in the world to adopt a specific regulation recognising obesity as a chronic disease, guaranteeing dignity and treatment to millions of citizens. This fundamental law is flanked by the Erice Manifesto, promoted by the SIO (Italian Obesity Society) with the involvement of 20 scientific and institutional organisations, patient representatives, and members of the World Obesity Federation. The document, presented yesterday at the Senate, reinforces the shared commitment between the scientific community and institutions in recognising obesity as a chronic disease and in promoting more effective health policies. This is why the SIO enthusiastically welcomes the birth of this great alliance between the scientific community and politics.
Italy flagship in the fight against obesity
The Pella Law represents the natural institutional outcome of the principles indicated by the scientific world. Our country has broken through decades of inertia by becoming the international beacon in the fight against obesity. Thanks to its approval and the inclusion of obesity in the National Plan for Chronic Diseases (PNC), for the first time a country has shown such a marked sensitivity to the issues of prevention and care. The Erice Manifesto is therefore the ideal and practical continuation of the Pella Law. It recalls the need to guarantee equal access to care, homogeneous care paths throughout the country, and a multidisciplinary approach based on scientific evidence. Furthermore, it places the person living with obesity at the centre and promotes the fight against stigma and discrimination.
Shared priorities
All this could only happen with an extraordinary synergy between institutions, the medical world and patients. And everyone was really there: the Minister of Health, Orazio Schillaci, with his concrete commitment to strengthen equal access to treatment, so that no one is left alone against stigma. Naturally, the Hon. Roberto Pella, president of the Parliamentary Intergroup and father of a law that is setting the standard in Europe, Sen. Daniela Sbrollini, co-chairwoman of the Intergroup, who promoted that 'legislative pact' that is finally transforming the social perception of the disease. The Hon. Giorgio Mulè, Vice-President of the Chamber of Deputies, Franco Zaffini, President of the Senate's 10th Standing Committee, Sen. Elisa Pirro, Senate Budget Committee. Their constant commitment is proof that the fight against obesity has become a shared priority, beyond any political colour, also for the sustainability of our National Health System.
*President of the Italian Obesity Society (SIO)
