Physical inactivity and obesity in Italy. Trends and individual and social effects

Abstract

Physical inactivity and obesity are partly related problems which are typical of economically advanced societies. In many countries today this phenomenon represents a social emergency, affecting the quality of life of people and of the national health systems; the latter have to deal with a rising number of chronic diseases linked to unhealthy lifestyles and eating habits. A sedentary lifestyle is expanding in Europe and, in Italy, involves a third of the child population. Even obesity is rising in Italy, above all in the younger age range The focus on healthy lifestyles and well-being, in both public and private sectors, does not seem to reduce this trend. This paper promotes sport as an individual and politic priority chance to combat and prevent overweight and to support the physical, mental and social well-being of the population; it highlights the “global†nature of sport which conveys ideas such as health, education, cohesiveness and those values encouraging a harmonious individual growth and a social sustainable development.