Revolutionary nutrition program tackles childhood obesity in Italy

The Nutripiatto program addresses childhood obesity by promoting balanced dietary habits through education and innovative learning methods.

On May 2, 2025, the Ministry of Education and Merit in Rome hosted the presentation of the ‘Nutripiatto’ program results, an initiative aimed at combating improper dietary habits among children. Developed by Nestlé in collaboration with the University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome and the Italian Society of Preventive and Social Pediatrics (Sipps), the project targets one of the most pressing public health challenges: childhood obesity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 29% of Italian children aged 6 to 10 are overweight, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. This article delves into the objectives, educational strategies, and collaborative efforts involved in the Nutripiatto program.

Understanding the objectives of the Nutripiatto program

The Nutripiatto initiative focuses on educating children aged 4 to 12 and their families on the importance of creating balanced meals. The program’s coordinators emphasize its significance, having already engaged over 140,000 children in activities centered around core themes such as proper nutrition, the importance of water, and respect for pets. Looking forward, a partnership with WeSchool is underway to develop ‘Nutripiatto Storytime,’ transforming the program into an innovative and interactive educational method. This new approach will incorporate learning techniques like game-based learning, storytelling, and role-playing, making nutritional education more accessible and engaging for both students and educators.

The critical role of nutritional education

Paola Frassinetti, Undersecretary for Education and Merit, stresses the need for increased emphasis on nutritional education both in schools and at home. Frassinetti highlights the broader social responsibility that food companies should undertake. Marco Travaglia, President and CEO of Nestlé Italy and Malta, echoes this sentiment, asserting the importance of establishing healthy dietary habits from a young age. Nestlé is committed to providing concrete and scientifically validated tools to support families and educators in this endeavor.

The influence of pediatricians and scientific oversight

Dr. Laura De Gara, President of the Master’s Degree in Food and Nutrition Sciences at the University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, explains how the Nutripiatto program encourages children to actively participate in food selection and meal preparation. She underscores the importance of reinstating the tradition of consuming varied and balanced meals within Italian families, respecting product seasonality and local culinary traditions. Giuseppe Di Mauro, President of Sipps, adds that pediatricians play a vital role in the nutritional education of families, guiding parents towards informed choices to ensure their children’s health and well-being. The Nutripiatto project, with scientific oversight from Sipps, thus serves as a valuable tool for child health professionals, contributing to the formation of a more informed and aware generation regarding nutrition.

In conclusion, the Nutripiatto program represents a comprehensive and collaborative effort to tackle childhood obesity through education and innovative learning. By involving children, families, and professionals in the process, the initiative aims to instill lifelong healthy eating habits and foster a more nutritionally aware society.

Riproduzione riservata © - WT