Four in 10 Italians are overweight,
and one in 10 obese, the Higher Health Institute (ISS) says in a
new report.
The report also highlighted that Italians are struggling to meet
the healthy eating five a day fruit and veg regime.
Very few Italians, 3%, say they don't include fruit or veg at
all in their meals, while 45% consume three portions a day, and
7% get their five a day. the ISS said.
Putting on the pounds increases with age, the report said, and
was more frequent among men than women.
But there has been an "alarming" rise in overweight and obesity
among the young too, it said, amid lifestyle changes including
over-eating, binge eating and zoning out on the couch rather
than getting proper exercise.
Less than half of overweight people have been told by their GPs
to lose weight, the ISS said.
"But medical opinions count, and those who are actually told to
diet eventually do so," it said.
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