“Voto 10 con riserva”: awareness campaign on eating and nutrition disorders

Objectives and activities carried out, in summary

Objectives and Activities – Executive Summary

Eating and Nutrition Disorders (ENDs) are complex and often silent illnesses. Excessive achievement striving, chronic dissatisfaction, and social withdrawal can conceal underlying eating disorders. According to data from the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità), 59% of cases affect individuals aged 13 to 25. Of growing concern, however, is the progressive lowering of the age of onset, with diagnoses now occurring as early as 8–9 years old.

It is within this context that “Voto 10 con riserva” (“Top Marks, Conditional”) was developed—a public awareness campaign promoted by Fondazione Bullone in collaboration with the Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Department of Niguarda Hospital. The initiative was conceived with the creative support of Next Different, backed by Fondazione Guido Venosta, and endorsed by Fondazione Italia Patria della Bellezza. The shared objective is clear: to foster understanding and prevention by highlighting early warning signs of these disorders and directing individuals toward qualified treatment centers recognized by the Italian National Institute of Health.

These conditions are frequently not identified in a timely manner due to limited public awareness and a persistent tendency to underestimate their psychological dimension. Early intervention, however, is critical. Physical changes are often merely the visible manifestation of deeper emotional distress. Delayed diagnosis and inadequately specialized interventions remain among the primary factors contributing to the chronic progression of the disease.

The campaign underscores a crucial and often overlooked point: academic or athletic excellence—traditionally perceived as unequivocally positive—can become a warning signal when accompanied by increasing isolation, chronic dissatisfaction, and an excessive focus on performance. Ignoring these indicators may delay the recognition of deeper psychological distress.

“Voto 10 con riserva” seeks to promote a culture of prevention by actively engaging the adults who interact daily with young people: parents, teachers, sports educators, coaches, and youth workers. When properly informed, these figures play a pivotal role in the early detection of warning signs and can serve as the first line of defense against the escalation of the illness.

Further information is available at: https://bullone.org/voto-10-con-riserva/.

March is internationally recognized in Italy as “Lilac Month,” dedicated to raising awareness of eating and nutrition disorders. On March 15, Italy observes the National Day for Eating and Nutrition Disorders—also known as “Lilac Ribbon Day”—a key moment to spotlight increasingly prevalent and complex conditions that require coordinated, collective commitment. The campaign is positioned within this broader national framework, reinforcing the urgency of prevention and early recognition.

This initiative further reflects Fondazione Guido Venosta’s sustained commitment to psychological well-being and youth development, through structured pathways of awareness, prevention, and support specifically dedicated to adolescence.