Adherence to a Mediterranean diet and long-term changes in weight and waist circumference in the EPIC-Italy cohort

Abstract

Excessive calorie intake and physical inactivity are considered key determinants of the rapid worldwide increase in obesity prevalence, however the relationship between diet and weight gain is complex. We investigated associations between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and long-term changes in weight and waist circumference in volunteers recruited to the Italian section of the prospective European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). We investigated 32,119 cohort members who provided anthropometric measures at recruitment and updated information on recall a mean of 12 years later. Adherence to a Mediterranean diet was assessed using the Italian Mediterranean Index (score range 0–11). Associations between index score and weight and waist changes were assessed by multivariate linear regression models. Risks of developing overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity were investigated by multivariate logistic models. Increasing Italian Mediterranean Index score (indicating better adherence) was associated with lower 5-year weight change in volunteers of normal weight at baseline (β −0.12, 95% CI −0.16 to −0.08 for 1 tertile increase in score), but not in those overweight/obese at baseline (P interaction between Index score and BMI 0.0001). High adherence was also associated with reduced risk of becoming overweight/obese (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84–0.99 third vs. first tertile); smaller 5-year change in waist circumference (β −0.09, 95% CI −0.14 to −0.03 for 1 tertile increase in score); and lower risk of abdominal obesity (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84–0.99 third vs. first tertile). Adherence to a traditional Italian Mediterranean diet may help prevent weight gain and abdominal obesity.

Mediterranean-style diet in pregnant women with metabolic risk factors (ESTEEM): A pragmatic multicentre randomised trial

“…Unlike the effects of a Mediterranean diet in the general population [41], we did not observe any differences in the lipid levels between both arms in our study. We found a moderate reduction in the mean gestational weight gain with intervention compared with control, consistent with reports on the protective role of a Mediterranean diet against obesity and weight gain [42]. This could be attributed to the satiety achieved with a plant-based diet, increased fibre intake, and the low glycaemic index of promoted food groups such as the pulses [42].…”

Changes in Weight and Nutritional Habits in Adults with Obesity during the “Lockdown” Period Caused by the COVID-19 Virus Emergency

“…Other potential confounders have not been examined. The majority of our patients were women; however, the same gender distribution was reported by most published studies on outpatients as well [ 26 , 27 , 28 ].…”

Effect of Adherence to Mediterranean Diet during Pregnancy on Children’s Health: A Systematic Review

“…The MD is rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), omega-3 PUFA and antioxidant polyphenols, and it is been recommended for its overall health benefits and potential for disease prevention [29]. Several observational and intervention studies support the role of the MD in preventing obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome in adults [30,31], while some recent studies suggest a protective role against obesity development in children [32,33,34]. In pregnancy, a higher adherence to the MD has been associated with lower risk of preterm birth, and higher birth weight [20].…”