Professor Francesco Moscone’s research looks at how small changes in people’s lifestyles can help save large amounts of money for public healthcare systems.
He focuses on three main areas: smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity. His studies show that if people adopt healthier habits, such as switching from cigarettes to less harmful alternatives like vaping, drinking less alcohol, and exercising more, health services like the NHS in England and the Italian health system could save hundreds of millions each year.
For example, if half of smokers moved away from cigarettes, healthcare savings could exceed £500 million per year in England and €700 million in Italy, mainly due to fewer cases of cancer and heart disease. Even small improvements can make a difference: reducing heavy drinking or increasing physical activity among a small share of the population could generate tens or hundreds of millions in additional savings. Overall, his research suggests that nearly €1 billion per year could be saved in Italy alone through modest lifestyle changes.
Beyond research, Francesco actively works with policymakers. He is a member of an Italian parliamentary group on prevention and has presented his findings at the European and Italian Parliaments. His work has also contributed to debates in the UK Parliament and the Scottish Parliament.
His research has reached a wide audience, with extensive coverage in international media and interviews on TV and radio. His article in The Conversation has been read by more than 500,000 people, helping to raise awareness of how healthier lifestyles can benefit both individuals and society, while reducing pressure on healthcare systems.