FIGHT AGAINST OBESITY: THE COMUNITÀ S.A.N.E. PROJECT PRESENTED IN NAPLES

Naples, April 21, 2026

On April 21, 2026, the presentation of the S.A.N.E. project took place at the Sannino-De Cillis school, located in via De Meis, in the Ponticelli district of Naples. The initiative is dedicated to tackling childhood obesity in Campania and promoting the health of younger generations.

The De Cillis auditorium was filled with students, children, teachers, and school administrators representing the many schools involved in the project, highlighting the strong engagement of the local community and the education sector.

Presentation of the S.A.N.E. project at Sannino-De Cillis Institute, Ponticelli, Naples – April 21, 2026

An initiative to reverse the trend of childhood obesity

The project is promoted by Fondazione Valter Longo, Evangelical Hospital Betania, and Form.it, and funded by the Campania Region. The goal is to reverse the trend in a geographical area that records the highest rates of childhood obesity in Europe, transforming Campania into a leading laboratory for youth health prevention.

The first randomized clinical study on adolescents in Campania

This initiative marks a significant step forward: for the first time, a randomized clinical study will test the effects of the longevity Mediterranean diet and the fasting-mimicking diet on a sample of 330 adolescents aged 14 to 18, selected based on overweight and obesity criteria. Participants will be monitored through targeted protocols aimed at improving body composition and metabolic parameters.

17,000 students involved across 5 provinces in Campania

In addition to clinical research, the S.A.N.E. project against childhood obesity in Campania includes a comprehensive educational program that will involve more than 17,000 students. A total of 25 schools across the provinces of Naples, Salerno, Caserta, Avellino, and Benevento will participate, with interactive workshops, family open days, and nutritional consultations.

The project, lasting three years, aims to demonstrate how early intervention on lifestyle habits can significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic and metabolic diseases.

Speakers

The following speakers contributed to the presentation at the Sannino-De Cillis Institute:

• Dr. Monica Matano, Director of the Regional School Office of Campania (message delivered to the audience)
• Dr. Fiorella Zabatta, Regional Councillor for Youth Policies of Campania (message delivered to the audience)
• Dr. Loredana Raia, President of the Fifth Commission for Health and Social Security – Regional Council of Campania
• Dr. Lucia Fortini, Member of the Presidency Office of the Regional Council of Campania
• Dr. Domenica Addeo, Head of Office IV – USR Campania
• Dr. Domenico Vincenzi, President of Fondazione Evangelica Betania
• Dr. Renato Grimaldi, Legal Representative of FORM.IT. Formazione Italiana APS
• Avv. Antonluca Matarazzo, CEO and Vice President of Fondazione Valter Longo
• Dr. Angela Mormone, Principal of the Sannino-De Cillis Institute

This important part of the project will also be supported by SSC Napoli, helping to amplify awareness within the community about the importance of physical activity.

An integrated model of prevention, research, and education

The S.A.N.E. project represents an integrated model of prevention, research, and education, with the ambition to make a concrete impact on the health of future generations.