The association of Mediterranean diet and exercise modifications with anthropometric parameters in a psychiatric community population: A pilot study

Abstract

Weight gain and related metabolic syndrome (MS) are major current issues in public health. MS consists of abdominal fat, atherogenic dyslipidemia, hypertension, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic state, and accounts for both cardiovascular diseases and type II diabetes mellitus risk factors. Patients affected by psychiatric illness present a prevalence of 35–40% of MS. Many studies have shown that Mediterranean diet is associated with the reduction of mortality due to cardiovascular and malignant diseases, potentially preventing both obesity and type II diabetes mellitus. Our pilot study explores the effects of a 12-month healthy lifestyle program (Mediterranean diet and mild physical activity) on metabolic and anthropometric parameters of patients affected by chronic psychiatric disorders who live in a psychiatric community facility. A Mediterranean diet was provided by a senior nutritional clinician and adapted by two dieticians, according to the needs and preferences of the community population. Concomitantly, a program of moderate physical activity, consisting in 30-min walks on level ground 4 days a week, and psycho-educational group sessions with educational and therapeutic purposes were implemented. The metabolic and anthropometric parameters of our patients improved after both 6 (T6) and 12 (T12) months. Body Max Index was statistically significantly reduced at T6 and T12, with patients perceiving good quality of life. These positive outcomes suggest that a low-cost healthy lifestyle program can produce good adherence and feasibility even among patients with chronic psychiatric diseases, reducing their risk for MS, cardiovascular diseases and other complications.

Effects of the Mediterranean diet adherence on body composition, blood parameters and quality of life in adults

“…The researchers observed a slight increase in HDL and FBG and a slight decrease in other values, but this difference was not statistically significant. 25 In our study, the participants with high adherence to the MD had lower levels of FBG (p=0.041), insulin (p=0.019) and TG (p=0.012) compared with those with lower adherence. Additionally, participants with high MD adherence had lower TC, LDL-C, HGB, ferritin and iron-binding capacities, and higher HDL-C and vitamin B 12 levels than those with low compliance, though results were non-significant.…”

Mediterranean and MIND Diets Containing Olive Biophenols Reduces the Prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease

“…Studies suggested the interactions and overlaps exist between diet and other lifestyle factors, such as physical exercise [61,62]. For example, a randomized controlled trial using a robust design conducted in highly active people in a Mediterranean culture demonstrated the cognitive benefits in participants that consumed MedDi [63].…”

Mediterranean-Type Dietary Pattern and Physical Activity: The Winning Combination to Counteract the Rising Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

“…Indeed, the combination of MeD and an active lifestyle resulted in the reduction in the risk and severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [ 320 ]. The association of MeD and mild PA modifications also showed positive outcomes in a pilot study performed on individuals affected by psychiatric disorders: after 6 and 12 months of treatment, patients’ metabolic and anthropometric parameters were improved, reducing the risk for MetS, cardiovascular diseases and other complications [ 321 ]. Moreover, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials showed that the adhesion to a MeD and PA combined program could provide a reduction in the metabolic risk in adults [ 322 ].…”