Less weight gain with a Mediterranean diet?

The current meta-analysis showed that adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a lower risk of overweight/obesity and less weight gain.

The Mediterranean diet (Med Diet) – mainly a plant-based diet including moderate wine consumption – is regarded as one of the healthiest diets. A long-term adherence has been related to a lower risk of degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, metabolic syndrome, etc. Overweight and obese individuals are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, CVD, and many cancers and have an increased risk of dying.

Considering the high prevalence of obesity and its relation to chronic diseases, it is necessary to maintain a healthy weight.

Findings from earlier studies examining the relationship between the adherence to the Med Diet and overweight/obesity are inconsistent and the current research systematically reviewed all the published prospective studies which investigated this association.

The findings of this meta-analysis revealed that a higher adherence to the Med diet was linked to a lower risk of overweight and/or obesity as well as with less weight gain in adults during the 5 years of follow-up.  As possible explanation, the authors referred to the high fiber content of fruits and vegetables which could provoke satiety and a sensation of fullness.

Source: Lotfi K, Saneei P, Hajhashemy Z, Esmaillzadeh A. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, Five-Year Weight Change, and Risk of Overweight and Obesity: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies. Adv Nutr. 2022 Feb 1;13(1):152-166. doi: 10.1093/advances/nmab092. PMID: 34352891; PMCID: PMC8803490.

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