Silvio Garattini, the president of the Mario Negri Institute, has emerged as a vocal advocate for public health on two significant fronts: the regulation of smoking and the oversight of weight-loss drugs. At the age of 96, Garattini is not only reflecting on his lifelong commitment to health but actively contributing to contemporary debates about drug safety and smoking regulations.
Starting from January 1, 2025, Milan will implement stringent regulations prohibiting smoking outdoors, marking significant progress in anti-smoking initiatives. Garattini has long been urging for such measures, emphasizing the indisputable harm of second-hand smoke. "Il divieto di fumare anche all'aperto è una scelta che suggerisco da molto tempo perché il fumo passivo è profondamente ingiusto: basti dire che in Italia abbiamo almeno 500 morti all’anno per una serie di malattie che derivano da questo," Garattini stated during his recent interviews.
The city's new law will enforce restrictions on smoking within 10 meters of others, with severe penalties for non-compliance. This initiative aims to protect non-smokers and reduce the health risks associated with passive smoking. Garattini fervently believes this ban is necessary, as he indicates the importance of the state's role in preserving public health: "La libertà di fumare viene meno se questa lede il diritto alla salute altrui."
Highlighting the economic factors, Garattini points out the need for higher cigarette prices to align with international standards. Currently, the average cost of cigarettes in Italy is approximately 4.5 euros per pack, compared to 12 euros in France and near 20 euros in Australia. He suggests, "Un aumento di prezzo sarebbe un ulteriore freno," to discourage smoking.
Moving beyond the topic of smoking, Garattini has also voiced serious concerns about the rising unchecked market for weight-loss medications. He criticized the trend, stating, "Stop alle punture dimagranti, siamo vittime di social e spot. Conosciamo solo il 10% degli effetti tossici dei prodotti. Servono più controlli, non si può lasciare tutto in mano alle aziende." This insight reveals his worry over the lack of regulation and the potential dangers posed by these medications.
Recent trends show Italy's weight-loss drug market is expected to generate 4.5 billion euros by the end of 2023, an alarming figure considering the correspondingly low level of scientific control and consumer awareness surrounding these products. Garattini advocates for greater vigilance, emphasizing the substantial risks present due to insufficient industry regulation.
With celebrities like Elon Musk openly discussing their use of weight-loss drugs for quick results, there's rising controversy about the normalization of such medications for non-medical purposes. Musk's public acknowledgment of using the anti-diabetic medication Ozempic for weight loss has ignited debates about the credibility and ethics of such practices.
Garattini is particularly concerned about the potential long-term effects of these drugs, which have primarily been intended for treating diabetes, not necessarily weight management. He stresses, "Servono più controlli," pointing out the urgent need for more comprehensive regulatory oversight to protect consumers from the unknown effects of these medications.
He believes both issues—the smoking ban and the regulation of pharmaceuticals—are closely tied to the collective responsibility of society. He argues for stronger preventive measures: "Noi dell’Istituto Mario Negri lo diciamo da anni: l’autorità deve difendere coloro che non fumano." This encapsulates his vision for public health as one where the government actively protects individuals from hazardous substances.
Garattini emphasizes the importance of education within families, as personal responsibility plays a key role in both smoking cessation and drug use. He points out, "Penso che conti molto l’educazione familiare. Ripartiamo da qui.”
Looking forward, Garattini's efforts to raise awareness around these issues reflect broader societal concerns about health and safety. The ban on smoking and the scrutiny of pharmaceuticals mark significant steps toward protecting public health. By championing these causes, Garattini hopes to spark necessary conversations around smoking, drug safety, and the collective responsibility individuals share to advocate for healthier communities.
Through his statements, Garattini continues to highlight the importance of proactive healthcare measures, advocating for policies not just for the present but for future generations to enjoy healthier lives. The fight for both the banning of outdoor smoking and the regulation of pharmaceutical substances is perhaps one of the most pertinent health issues of our time.
