scholarly journals Sustainable dietetic models in Europe: the Mediterranean diet as case study

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Scazzina
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Food System ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Total Energy Consumption ◽  
Adequate Diet ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The Cost

Abstract More than five years since the global commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, 690 million people lack sufficient food and economic projections suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic may add an additional 83 to 132 million people to the ranks of the undernourished. Meanwhile, 1.3 billion tons of food are wasted globally each year, utilizing 38% of total energy consumption in the global food system. Child and adult overweight and obesity are increasing in almost all countries, and on a global level the cost of a healthy diet is 60% higher than the cost of a nutrient adequate diet, and almost 5 times the cost of an energy sufficient diet. The Mediterranean Diet is one of the recognized models of healthy and sustainable diets. This model has proven to promote longevity and well-being, not only by considering specific food items and dietary patterns, but also taking into account the culture and the history of populations living in that region, as well as social aspects such as tradition and conviviality. Moreover, it is strongly tied to a gastronomic background that links health with enjoyment. This may be extremely important for the implementation of feasible programs for the prevention of chronic non communicable diseases. In fact, long lasting lifestyle changes are difficult to achieve and, although health motivations may lead to satisfactory dietary compliance in the short term, pleasure remains an important determinant of any dietary change that is intended to last. While keeping traditional dietary habits at European level, the main principles of the Mediterranean diet could be taken into account to identify key features that ensure both health benefits and sustainable impact on environment. Assessing the sustainability of these products can be an effective operational approach for preserving and promoting a Mediterranean-type dietary pattern in the European region.

scholarly journals Mediterranean Lifestyle to Promote Physical, Mental, and Environmental Health: The Case of Chile

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (22) ◽  
pp. 8482
Author(s):  
Guadalupe Echeverría ◽  
Ornella Tiboni ◽  
Loni Berkowitz ◽  
Victoria Pinto ◽  
Bárbara Samith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Food System ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Epidemiological Transition ◽  
The Mediterranean

Chile is currently experiencing a progressive epidemiological transition towards chronic diseases. In this country, >50% of annual deaths are attributed to cardiovascular disease and cancer. Moreover, health surveys have shown high prevalence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and elevated cardiovascular disease risk. In addition, mental health issues are also frequent among Chilean adults. On the other hand, the agri-food system contributes to 21–37% of greenhouse gases emissions worldwide. Overall, current health and food chain situation calls out for design and implementation of evidence-based feasible and effective nutritional interventions needed to promote physical and mental health along with addressing food sustainability in Chile. Nowadays, the Mediterranean diet is recognized as one of the healthiest dietary patterns based on observational and interventional studies linked to a wide variety of health outcomes. However, a Mediterranean lifestyle goes well beyond food intake: it includes promotion of psychosocial resources, community life as well as cultural traditions. Indeed, Mediterranean lifestyle is a true modus vivendi that integrally promotes physical, mental, and social well-being. In addition, the Mediterranean diet stands out for its environmental sustainability because it is characterized mainly as a plant-based dietary pattern with low carbon and water footprints. Remarkably, Central Chile has a Mediterranean-like setting with plant and animal food production and availability patterns comparable to those present in countries located around the Mediterranean Sea. Therefore, this article reviews how promotion of Mediterranean lifestyle adherence in Chile offers great potential for management of the ongoing epidemiological transition to chronic diseases as well to promote psychological well-being within a unique food system and dietary sustainability vision for this Latin American country.

scholarly journals Eating habits and lifestyle Changes during COVID-19 lockdown: an Italian survey

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Di Renzo ◽  
Paola Gualtieri ◽  
Francesca Pivari ◽  
Laura Soldati ◽  
Alda Attinà ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Time Data ◽  
The Mediterranean

Abstract Background: On December 12, 2019 a new coronavirus (SARS-Cov2) emerged in Wuhan, China, sparking a pandemic of acute respiratory syndrome in humans (COVID-19). At 24th of April 2020, the number of COVID-19 deaths in the world, according to the COVID-Case Tracker by Johns Hopkins University, was 195,313 and the number of Covid-19 confirmed cases was 2,783,512. The COVID-19 pandemic represents a massive impact on human health, causing sudden lifestyle changes, through social distancing and isolation at home, with social and economic consequences. Optimizing public health during this pandemic requires not only knowledge from the medical and biological sciences, but also of all human sciences related to lifestyle, social and behavioural studies, including dietary habits and lifestyle. Methods: Our study aimed to investigate the immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating habits and lifestyle changes among Italian population aged ≥12 years. The study instrument comprised a structured questionnaire packet that inquired demographic information (age, gender, place of residence, current employment); anthropometrics data (reported weight and height); dietary habits information (Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, daily intake of certain foods, food frequency, number of meals/day); lifestyle habits information (grocery shopping, smoke habit, sleep quality and physical activity). The survey was conducted from 5th to 24th of April 2020. Results: the perception of weight gain was observed in 48.6% of the population; 3.3% of smokers decided to quit smoking; a slight increased physical activity has been reported, especially for bodyweight training, in 38.3% of respondents; the population group aged 18-30 years resulted to have a higher adherence to the Mediterranean Diet when compared to the youngers and the olders (p=0.000; p=0.000); 15% of respondents turned to farmers or organic purchasing groups for fruit and vegetables, especially in North and Center Italy, where BMI values were lower. Conclusions: In the present study, we provided for the first time data on the Italian population lifestyle, eating habits and adherence to the Mediterranean Diet pattern during the COVID-19 lockdown. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, our data need to be confirmed and investigated in future larger population studies.

Eating NAFTA

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyshia Gálvez
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Food System ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Trade Agreement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
The North ◽  
The World

In the two decades since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect, Mexico has seen an epidemic of diet-related illness. While globalization has been associated with an increase in chronic disease around the world, in Mexico, the speed and scope of the rise has been called a public health emergency. The shift in Mexican foodways is happening at a moment when the country’s ancestral cuisine is now more popular and appreciated around the world than ever. What does it mean for their health and well-being when many Mexicans eat fewer tortillas and more instant noodles, while global elites demand tacos made with handmade corn tortillas? This book examines the transformation of the Mexican food system since NAFTA and how it has made it harder for people to eat as they once did. The book contextualizes NAFTA within Mexico’s approach to economic development since the Revolution, noticing the role envisioned for rural and low-income people in the path to modernization. Examination of anti-poverty and public health policies in Mexico reveal how it has become easier for people to consume processed foods and beverages, even when to do so can be harmful to health. The book critiques Mexico’s strategy for addressing the public health crisis generated by rising rates of chronic disease for blaming the dietary habits of those whose lives have been upended by the economic and political shifts of NAFTA.

Relationship Among Adherence to The Mediterranean Diet and Anthropometric and Metabolic Parameters in Subjects with Obesity

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luisa Lampignano ◽  
Roberta Zupo ◽  
Rossella Donghia ◽  
Vito Guerra ◽  
Fabio Castellana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Hdl Cholesterol ◽  
Fat Distribution ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Height Ratio ◽  
Anthropometric Parameters ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Waist To Height Ratio ◽  
The Mediterranean

Background: There is moderate-to-high evidence that the Mediterranean diet prevents increases in body weight and waist circumference in non-obese individuals but less is known about its effects in subjects with overweight and obesity. The present study was focused on exploring the cross-sectional association among the adherence to Mediterranean diet and the most commonly used variables of metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in a cohort of overweight subjects from a typical Mediterranean region, Apulia, in Southern Italy. Methods:: The study was performed in a cohort of 1214 individuals, all with overweight or obesity but no other clinical condition. We investigated the association among adherence to Mediterranean diet, assessed with the PREDIMED score, and anthropometric parameters [namely body mass index (BMI), WC, waist to height ratio (WHtR) and neck circumference (NC)], fasting serum levels of glucose, insulin, uric acid and lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol), and blood pressure and insulin resistance, measured by HOMA-IR. Results:: The waist to height ratio was negatively associated to a PREDIMED score ≥7 (p<0.04), whereas HDL cholesterol was positively associated to a PREDIMED score ≥7 (p<0.04) Conclusion: This study suggests that body fat distribution and HDL-cholesterol are the parameters most strongly influenced by MedDiet in Apulian subjects.

Adhering to a Mediterranean diet in a Mediterranean country: an excess cost for families?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Ricardo Alves ◽  
Carla Lopes ◽  
Sara Rodrigues ◽  
Julian Perelman
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Food Group ◽  
Food Prices ◽  
Mediterranean Country ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Diet Cost ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Activity Survey

Abstract Background: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet has been decreasing in southern Europe, which could be linked to several cultural or educational factors. Our aim is to evaluate the extent to which economic aspects may also play a role, exploring the relationship between food prices in Portugal and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Methods: We evaluated data from the Portuguese National Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Survey (IAN-AF 2015-2016) (n=3,591). Diet expenditures were estimated by attributing a retail price to each food group and the diet was transposed into the Mediterranean Diet Score used in the literature. Prices were gathered from five supermarket chains (65% of the Portuguese market share). Linear regression models were used to assess the association between different adherence levels to the MD levels and dietary costs. Results: Greater adherence to the MD was associated with a 21.2% (p< 0.05) rise in total dietary cost, which accounts for more 0.59€ in mean daily costs when compared with low adherence. High adherence individuals (vs. low adherence) had higher absolute mean daily costs with fish (0.62€/+285.8%; p< 0.05), fruits (0.26€/+115.8%; p< 0.05), and vegetables (0.10€/+100.9%; p< 0.05). The analysis stratified by education and income level showed significantly higher mean daily diet cost only amongst higher income groups. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that greater adherence to the MD was positively and significantly associated with higher total dietary cost. Policies to improve population’s diet should take into consideration the cost of healthy foods, especially for large low- and middle-income families.

scholarly journals FRI0233 IMPACT AND ADHERENCE TO THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS ITALIAN PATIENTS: CORRELATION WITH GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS, MOOD DISTURBANCES AND QUALITY OF LIFE

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 700.2-700
Author(s):  
G. De Luca ◽  
G. Natalello ◽  
G. Abignano ◽  
C. Campochiaro ◽  
D. Temiz Karadağ ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Research Support ◽  
Work Impairment ◽  
Gi Symptoms ◽  
The Mediterranean

Background:Gastrointestinal involvement(GI) is a common feature of systemic sclerosis(SSc) and can be highly disabling, representing a major cause of morbidity and reduced quality of life(QoL). The impact of dietary habits on GI symptoms, mood and QoL has not been extensively evaluated.Objectives:To evaluate the adherence to the Mediterranean Diet(MD) in an Italian multicenter cohort of SSc patients, and its impact on GI symptoms and other disease features, depression, anxiety and overall QoL.Methods:Consecutive SSc(ACR/EULAR2013) patients from 4 Italian cohorts were enrolled. Dietary habits and adherence to the MD were assessed using the 14-item MEDAS and QueMD questionnaires. Presence and severity of depressive/anxious symptoms and QoL were evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS) and the SSc-HAQ(S-HAQ). GI symptoms were assessed with the Reflux Disease Questionnaire(RDQ) and the UCLA SCTC GI Tract 2.0 questionnaire(USG). Associations with patients’ lifestyle, disease characteristics, and nutritional status were explored.Results:265 patients (94.7% females; age 55.8±13.6years; disease duration 9.1±7.0years; diffuse SSc 31.8%; Scl70 + 35.8%;ulcers 23.4%;ILD 29.4%;BMI 23.7±4.4 Kg/m2; obese 11.3%,overweight 23.4%,underweight 4.9%) were enrolled.Overall MD adherence was moderate(7.5±1.9) according to MEDAS and it correlated with QueMD score(4.53±1.96)(R=.371,p<0.001). MD adherence was optimal in 39 patients(14.7%), more frequently from Central-Southern Italy(p=0.036); 189 patients(71.3%) had a good and 37(14.0%) a poor MD adherence.GI symptoms were moderate/severe according to USG in 37(14.0%) patients(USG:0.41±0.40), and heartburn was the most common GI symptom(35.2%). The prevalence of significant anxiety and depression was 24.1% and 17.0%.An inverse correlation was found between MD adherence and mood disturbances at HADS(MEDAS; R=-0.181,p=0.04), work impairment(QueMD;R=-0.247,p=0.005) and reduced QoL, both for GI (constipation at USG: R=-0.133,p=0.032) and general S-HAQ items(bowel:R=-0.181,p=0.04;severity R=-0.202,p=0.01;Raynaud:R=-0.217,p<0.001;ulcers: R=-0.207,p=0.01). MD adherence directly correlated with lung function(MEDAS;R=0.181,p=0.023 for FVC and R=0.170,p=0.03 for DLCO). Patients with MD optimal adherence had lower HADS depression(p=0.04) and S-HAQ scores(HAQ,p=0.04; Raynaud,p=0.005; ulcers,p=0.02) and lower work impairment and lost work time(p=0.03). No significant correlation emerged between MD adherence and BMI, or specific symptoms. Depression and anxiety directly correlated with the severity of reported upper GI symptoms according to both scales (RDQ-GERD:R=0.261,p=0.001; USG:R=0.263,p<0.001) and general S-HAQ items (HAQ: R=0.136,p=0.032;severity R=0.233,p<0.001;bowel: R=0.135,p=0.04;breath: R=0.133,p=0.03; ulcers: R=0.132,p=0.037). Results were confirmed after exclusion of psychiatric(11.7%) and fibromyalgic(15.5%) patients.Conclusion:Unsatisfactory MD adherence is associated with a low mood, impaired QoL, work impairment, GI and vascular symptoms in Italian SSc patients. The promotion of a healthy lifestyle could positively impact on QoL and disease status of SSc patients.References:[1]Gnagnarella P, et a. NMCD 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2018.06.006[2]Jaeger VK et al. PLoS One, 2016.[3]Dinu M et al. Eur J Clin Nutr 2018. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2017.58.[4]Khanna D, et al.Arthritis Rheum. 2009. doi: 10.1002/art.24730.Acknowledgments:GILSDisclosure of Interests:Giacomo De Luca Grant/research support from: SOBI, Speakers bureau: SOBI, Novartis, Pfizer, MSD, Celgene, Gerlando Natalello: None declared, Giuseppina Abignano: None declared, Corrado Campochiaro Speakers bureau: Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, GSK, SOBI, Duygu Temiz Karadağ: None declared, Maria De Santis: None declared, Elisa Gremese Speakers bureau: Abbvie, BMS, Celgene, Jannsen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, UCB, Silvia Laura Bosello Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Pfizer, Boehringer, Lorenzo Dagna Grant/research support from: Abbvie, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, MSD, Mundipharma Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, SG, SOBI, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Biogen, BMS, Celltrion, Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, SG, and SOBI

scholarly journals Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and risk of lung cancer in the Netherlands Cohort Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 119 (6) ◽  
pp. 674-684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maya Schulpen ◽  
Piet A. van den Brandt
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Cancer Research ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Cancer Risk ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Lung Cancer Risk ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
The Mediterranean

AbstractThe evidence on a cancer-protective effect of the Mediterranean diet (MD) is still limited. Therefore, we investigated the association between MD adherence and lung cancer risk. Data were used from 120 852 participants of the Netherlands Cohort Study (NLCS), aged 55–69 years. Dietary habits were assessed at baseline (1986) using a validated FFQ and alternate and modified Mediterranean diet scores (aMED and mMED, respectively), including and excluding alcohol, were calculated. After 20·3 years of follow-up, 2861 lung cancer cases and 3720 subcohort members (case-cohort design) could be included in multivariable Cox regression analyses. High (6–8) v. low (0–3) aMED excluding alcohol was associated with non-significantly reduced lung cancer risks in men and women with hazard ratios of 0·91 (95 % CI 0·72, 1·15) and 0·73 (95 % CI 0·49, 1·09), respectively. aMED-containing models generally fitted better than mMED-containing models. In never smokers, a borderline significant decreasing trend in lung cancer risk was observed with increasing aMED excluding alcohol. Analyses stratified by the histological lung cancer subtypes did not identify subtypes with a particularly strong inverse relation with MD adherence. Generally, the performance of aMED and World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research dietary score variants without alcohol was comparable. In conclusion, MD adherence was non-significantly inversely associated with lung cancer risk in the NLCS. Future studies should focus on differences in associations across the sexes and histological subtypes. Furthermore, exclusion of alcohol from MD scores should be investigated more extensively, primarily with respect to a potential role of the MD in cancer prevention.

scholarly journals An Italian Survey on Dietary Habits and Changes during the COVID-19 Lockdown

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1197
Author(s):  
Luana Izzo ◽  
Antonio Santonastaso ◽  
Gaetano Cotticelli ◽  
Alessandro Federico ◽  
Severina Pacifico ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
World Health ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Diet Adherence ◽  
Mediterranean Diet Adherence ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact

The World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern; the outbreak has led to lockdowns in several parts of the world, and sudden changes in people’s lifestyles. This study explores the impact of the first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic period on dietary habits, lifestyle changes, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet among the Italian population, through an online questionnaire, conducted from April to May 2020, involving 1519 participants. The 14-point Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) highlighted a medium Mediterranean diet adherence in 73.5% of responders, which principally included the younger population, aged 18–30 years (p < 0.05). In regards to changes in eating habits, 33.5% of responders declared an influence of the pandemic period on nutritional practice. A decrease in alcohol consumption was reported by 81% of responders, while an increase in frozen food consumption was reported by 81.3% of responders. In addition, 58.8% reported positive weight modification (40.8%, +1–3 kg); physical activity reduction was reported for 70.5% of responders. Our study contributes toward amplifying the investigation on the dietary habits and changes of the Italian population during the COVID-19 lockdown, although the pandemic is ongoing. Similar studies should be performed around the world to understand how the emergency has impacted people’s habits.

scholarly journals Changing the Irish dietary guidelines to incorporate the principles of the Mediterranean diet: proposing the MedÉire diet

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 375-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Audrey C Tierney ◽  
Ioannis Zabetakis
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Low Fat Diet ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
Food Pyramid ◽  
Health And Well Being

AbstractObjectiveIn Ireland, the major causes of death are CVD. The current Irish healthy eating guidelines and food pyramid primarily advocate a low-fat diet. However, there is overwhelming scientific evidence for the benefits of a Mediterranean diet (Med Diet) in the prevention and management of metabolic disease as well as improving overall health and well-being. In the current commentary, the rationale to incorporate the principles of the Med Diet into the Irish dietary guidelines is presented.DesignPerspectives of authors.SettingLocal and international.SubjectsPopulations in Europe, North America and Australia.ResultsAdopting components of the Med Diet presents a more evidence-based approach to updating the current Irish dietary guidelines. Experience and lessons from other non-Mediterranean countries show that it could be a feasible and effective solution to improving the dietary habits of the Irish population to prevent and mange chronic diseases.ConclusionsPolicies and programmes to address perceived barriers to the Med Diet’s implementation and uptake in non-Mediterranean countries should be promoted.

scholarly journals Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Its Association with the Level of Physical Activity in Fitness Center Users: Croatian-Based Study

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 4038
Author(s):  
Dinko Martinovic ◽  
Daria Tokic ◽  
Lovre Martinovic ◽  
Marko Kumric ◽  
Marino Vilovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Well Being ◽  
General Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Fitness Center ◽  
Balanced Diet ◽  
The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is based on the traditional cuisine of south European countries, and it is considered one of the healthiest dietary patterns worldwide. The promotion of combined MD and physical activity has shown major benefits. However, the association between physical activity and the MD in regular fitness center users is still insufficiently investigated. This cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted on 1220 fitness center users in Croatia. The survey consisted of three parts: general information, the Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). The results showed that 18.6% of fitness center users were adherent to the MD, and there was a significant positive correlation between the level of physical activity and the MDSS score (r = 0.302, p < 0.001). Moreover, after dividing the sample into tertiles based on the IPAQ-SF score, the third tertile (MET > 3150 min/wk) had the most fitness center users (34.4%) adherent to the MD, while the first tertile (MET < 1750 min/wk) had the least (6.1%). These outcomes emphasize the importance of physical activity as they imply that, with higher levels of physical activity, people are also possibly more aware of the importance that a healthy and balanced diet has on their well-being.

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