In an effort to tackle his significant weight gain, Italian Mayor Luciano Fregonese has embarked on a public fitness initiative, engaging with Valdobbiadene’s residents in weekly brisk walks.
Fregonese, who was re-elected for a third term in June, attributes his current weight of 140 kg (22 st) to the demanding nature of his role and its associated “convivial obligations.” His initial campaign in 2014 saw him at a healthier 90 kg (14 st 2 lb), but a combination of sedentary lifestyle and a fondness for the local cuisine led to his substantial weight increase.
“My weight gain is not just a result of laziness,” Fregonese explained. “The mayoral duties have kept me away from regular physical activities, and the pleasure of enjoying local food and drink has not helped. The irregular eating hours also contributed—sometimes I would eat just once a day, and often late at night.”
The picturesque town of Valdobbiadene, renowned for its Prosecco vineyards, has not been blamed for the weight gain. Fregonese clarified that while he enjoys a glass of prosecco now and then, it is the inconsistent eating habits and indulgent meals that have primarily impacted his health.
The mayor’s predicament even inspired some light-hearted campaign humor, with friends joking about focusing on his weight loss as part of his re-election strategy. The playful commentary seemed to resonate with voters, leading to Fregonese’s impressive victory with 67% of the vote.
In an unexpected turn, a derogatory term “panzone” (which loosely translates to “tubby”) scrawled on a wall in town spurred Fregonese into action. Although initially unfazed, he embraced the challenge and began organizing weekly walks every Thursday evening—coinciding with his town hall meetings.
These 5.5 km (3.4 miles) walks, featuring approximately 250 meters of elevation, began a few weeks ago with modest participation. However, attendance quickly surged, with the most recent walk attracting 215 participants and 12 dogs.
“The support from the community is encouraging,” Fregonese remarked. “About 10% of the participants use the opportunity to discuss issues with me, while the majority come to enjoy the walk and socialize. I wouldn’t be as motivated to exercise on my own.”
As he strives to return to his earlier weight, Fregonese is contemplating adding jogging to his routine in the future. For now, he remains focused on the walking initiative, drawing inspiration and motivation from his engaged constituents.
