Obesity: a disease, not a fault

Obesity, which has historically been seen as a sign of prosperity, is now recognized as a chronic disease, thanks in part to Italian law passed in 2025, which established its health and social relevance. In addition to clinical risks, obesity is associated with stigma and discrimination. Since 1999, HCC has been involved in scientific communication and raising awareness about obesity. The agency has collaborated with leading associations and companies, managed events and campaigns, and supported advocacy initiatives and parliamentary working groups. HCC's contributions range from advising the food industry to promoting innovative drugs and supporting patient associations, with a view to constantly fighting stigma and improving treatment and prevention.

As a social and medical condition, obesity has a complex history. In the past, it was often associated with wealth and abundance. In some cultures and historical periods, it was considered a sign of prosperity and social status, especially during times of widespread food shortages. However, it was not until the 21st century, after repeated appeals from the scientific community over several decades, that obesity came to be perceived as a disease and a public health problem with serious consequences for those affected. In 2025, Italy became the first country to pass a law recognizing obesity as a chronic disease, which had significant implications for access to care and prevention strategies. This significant change also has important social implications. In addition to being a risk factor for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, and respiratory problems, obesity in the Western world is often accompanied by stigma and discrimination. Being overweight is considered unattractive, and negative stereotypes are associated with it. The blame is often placed on the obese person.

Obesity, a constant commitment to science for HCC

Since 1999, we have been working closely with SIO (Italian Society for Obesity) and EASO (European Association for the Study of Obesity). We have been managing the communication activities of several conferences organized by these two organizations. These include the 9th EASO Congress in Milan, Italy in 1999, Eco 2024 (European Conference on Obesity) in Venice, Italy, and Eco 2025 in Malaga, Spain. We have also been responsible for communications for the Parliamentary Intergroup on Obesity, Diabetes, and Non-Communicable Diseases since its establishment in the past legislature. We have also collaborated extensively with ADI (Italian Association of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition) and other organizations, including the advocacy group Amici Obesi (Obese Friends). Currently, we manage communications for Fiao, a federation of seven obesity patient associations active in our country. From 2005 to 2008, we provided obesity-related consulting services to numerous companies and organizations in the food and beverage industry, including Coca-Cola, Danone, Nestlé, Assobibe, and Aipa. From 2007 to 2012, we collaborated with the Scientific Committee of Milan Expo 2015. Since 2015, we have worked for Novo Nordisk, first launching liraglutide (Saxenda) and then semaglutide (Wegovy).