Italians see bodyweight fall due to healthy eating

FLORENCE, ITALY – Italians are gradually seeing their body weight fall to more ‘normal’ levels due to more healthy eating habits, according to a study by the Nestle’ Observatory in conjunction with the clinical nutrition and dietetics association ADI.

‘For the first time the percentage of people of normal weight is on the rise, at 54.2% today compared to 51% in 2010 and 53% in 2011,’ the authors of the study said. ‘The percentage of people who are overweight or obese is still high, at 43.4%, but it is nonetheless falling compared to 46% in 2010 and 44% in 2011. The number of underweight people is also falling, to 2.4% today’.

The secret to having a normal body weight lies in physical activity and healthy eating habits, including respecting regular mealtimes and snacks, ADI says. However, bad habits remain – 36% of Italians do not share mealtimes with other people and 75% eat in front of the television, particularly those in the 18-34 age bracket.