Italy is known for the Mediterranean diet, which includes a lot of vegetables, fruit, beans, fish and olive oil. This diet is famous for helping people live longer and stay healthy. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) now says many Italian children are overweight, especially in the south. In some places, over 40% of children aged eight and nine weigh too much.

The main reason for this problem is that children are eating fewer healthy foods and more fast food, snacks, and big meals. Doctors explain that today’s Italian diet is often pizza, pasta, potatoes, protein, and bread. This is very different from the traditional Mediterranean diet.

As a result, health programmes are being started to teach children and families about healthy eating. In the Campania region, schools are teaching more than 17,000 students about nutrition and healthy habits.