Body mass index (BMI) of individuals in Italy 2023, by gender

In 2023, approximately 10.5 million men and roughly 14.3 million females in Italy had a normal body weight mass index (BMI). Conversely, more than 1.7 million Italians were found to be underweight, while obese individuals amounted to over 5.8 million.

BMI and obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the measure that relates the weight and height of a person and the main way to categorize body complexions into critical underweight, underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2023, 46.4% of the adult population in Italy was either overweight or obese, out of which, the majority were male, between the ages of 45 and 54. 

Cardiovascular disease in Italy

Numerous research sources suggest that obesity is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. In 2021, the main cause of death in Italy was related to circulatory diseases, the most common being ischemic heart disease, which can occur due to a build-up of fatty cells in the coronary arteries of the heart.