Adherence to the Mediterranean diet: An online questionnaire based-study in a Spanish population sample just before the Covid-19 lockdown

Background: The Mediterranean Diet (MD) has been associated with a reduced risk of developing several pathologies, such as cardiovascular diseases. Despite this, adherence to MD in the general population has decreased in the past years. Due to COVID-19 crisis, eating habits of the population are being affected, thus data assessing these habits just before lockdown are important to determine how they are modified. The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) questionnaire was used to evaluate adherence to MD just before COVID-19 lockdown.Methods: The KIDMED survey was launched through the Google platform for surveys, from 2/20/20 until 3/13/20. Additionally, questions about gender, weight and height for body mass index (BMI) calculation, academic degree, and nationality were included. Multivariate linear regression was performed for data analysis.Results: A total of 861 completed surveys were collected. Some surveys were discarded because data was missing (18), the participants were not of Spanish nationality (18), or because they did not belong to the age groups included in the study (19). The remaining 804 surveys were divided into the following age groups: 15-24 (n=160), 25-34 (n=158), 35-54 (n=363) and 55-69 (n=123). In the 15–24-year-old group, 71.9% had a BMI between 18-24.9, but only 28.1% reached an index ≥8 in the KIDMED questionnaire. Adherence to MD improved as the age in the groups increased, but so did the BMI, especially in the oldest group. In all adult groups, approximately 50% had a university education. Overall, lower BMI was significantly related to females, younger age and a higher degree of studies. On the other hand, the higher adherence to MD was related to older age and a higher degree of education. Conclusions: The improved adherence to MD was not associated with a reduced BMI. Maybe other factors, like sedentary life or hormonal changes, known to impact people while aging, have influenced our results. Possibly, adherence to MD might have played a protective role, at least partially, against an even higher BMI. More research is needed to fully determine the impact of adherence to MD in the Spanish population, also after COVID-19 lockdown.Keywords: Mediterranean diet, KIDMED, Body mass index, Spain

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Social Jet Lag Associates Negatively with the Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Body Mass Index among Young Adults

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11081756 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 1756 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Zerón-Rugerio ◽

Cambras ◽

Izquierdo-Pulido

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Young Adults ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Body Mass ◽

Jet Lag ◽

Sleep Habits ◽

Anthropometric Parameters ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Mediterranean ◽

Lower Adherence

Obesity and unhealthy eating habits have been associated with irregular sleep–wake patterns during the week, also known as social jet lag. The Mediterranean diet is a healthy pattern related with a better health and sleep quality. However, potential associations with social jet lag remain unexplored. The aim of this study was to examine whether higher social jet lag is linked to lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet and whether it is associated with BMI (Body Mass Index). This cross-sectional study included 534 young adults (18–25 years). Anthropometric parameters, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, chronotype and social jet lag were studied. Our results revealed that individuals with greater social jet lag showed lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet and had a higher BMI. Among the habits that characterized the Mediterranean dietary pattern, we observed that higher social jet lag was significantly associated with a lower intake of fruits and vegetables, as well as skipping breakfast. Hence, the promotion of regular sleep habits together with healthy dietary patterns should be considered for obesity prevention, especially among young adults.

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Plasma Carotenoid Levels in Relation to the Mediterranean Diet in Greece

International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research ◽

10.1024/0300-9831.73.3.221 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 73 (3) ◽

pp. 221-225 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Trichopoulou ◽

Benetou ◽

Lagiou ◽

Gnardellis ◽

Stacewicz-Sapunzakis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Olive Oil ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Body Mass ◽

Plasma Levels ◽

Beta Carotene ◽

Blood Levels ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Significant Positive Association ◽

The Mediterranean

In the context of the Greek segment of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), we conducted a cross-sectional study to examine the effects of the intake of plant foods central in the traditional Mediterranean diet on plasma levels of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and lutein-zeaxanthin. Study subjects were a random sample of 45 men and 68 women, aged 30–82 years, from the Greek EPIC cohort of 27953 volunteers. Linear regression models were fitted, with the carotenoid blood levels as dependent variables. Independent variables were selected food items, as well as body mass index, controlling for energy intake and a set of demographic factors. Body mass index was inversely associated with plasma levels of the studied carotenoids. The association was highly significant for alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, significant for lutein-zeaxanthin, and borderline significant (p ~ 0.07) for lycopene. Tomato intake was significantly positively associated with plasma lycopene, and beta-carotene. Other fruity vegetables and non-fruity vegetables were significantly positively associated, the former with a-carotene and the latter with both alpha- and beta-carotene plasma levels. Fruits showed a highly significant positive association with plasma beta-cryptoxanthin, as well as with beta-carotene. No association was found between the intake of olive oil or other added lipids and plasma carotenoids. We conclude that among the studied components of the Mediterranean diet, fruits and vegetables tend to increase levels of some carotenoids, but olive oil has no apparent effect.

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Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Spanish Population and Its Relationship with Early Vascular Aging according to Sex and Age: EVA Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12041025 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

pp. 1025 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Marta Gómez Sánchez ◽

Leticia Gómez Sánchez ◽

Maria C Patino-Alonso ◽

Rosario Alonso-Domínguez ◽

Natalia Sánchez-Aguadero ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Global Analysis ◽

Population Sample ◽

Intima Media Thickness ◽

Carotid Intima Media Thickness ◽

Spanish Population ◽

Vascular Aging ◽

The Mediterranean

The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MDA) and its components on early vascular aging (EVA) in a Spanish population sample free of cardiovascular disease and to analyze the differences by sex. Methods: We recruited 501 individuals aged 35–75 without cardiovascular disease by random sampling (55.90 ± 14.24 years, 49.70% men). EVA was defined in two steps: Step 1: subjects with vascular damage in carotid arteries or peripheral artery disease were classified as EVA. Step 2: subjects at the percentile of the combined Vascular Aging Index (VAI) were classified; ≥ p90 was considered EVA and < p90 was considered normal vascular aging (NVA), estimated using the following formula (VAI = (log (1.09) × 10 cIMT + log (1.14) cfPWV) × 39.1 + 4.76 by age and sex. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was measured by SphigmoCor System® and carotid intima-media thickness by Sonosite Micromax® ultrasound and classified thus: values ≥ Percentile 90 were considered EVA and those < Percentile 90 as NVA, with population percentiles analyzed. The principal result variable was assessed using the 14-item MEDAS questionnaire, developed and validated by the PREDIMED group, comprising 12 questions about the frequency of food consumption and two questions regarding the Spanish population’s typical eating habits. Results: MDA was observed by 25% (17% men and 34% women). EVA was present in 17% (29% men and 4% women). The adjusted logistic regression models showed that an increase in MDA decreases the probability of EVA in the global analysis (OR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.16–0.82). In the analysis by sex, this association was only seen in men (OR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.12–0.86), but not in women (OR = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.04–2.50). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that a greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet decreases the probability of presenting EVA. In the analysis by sex, this association applies only to men.

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Adherence to the Traditional Mediterranean Diet Is Inversely Associated with Body Mass Index and Obesity in a Spanish Population

Journal of Nutrition ◽

10.1093/jn/134.12.3355 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 134 (12) ◽

pp. 3355-3361 ◽

Cited By ~ 225

Author(s):

Helmut Schröder ◽

Jaume Marrugat ◽

Juan Vila ◽

Maria I. Covas ◽

Roberto Elosua

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Body Mass ◽

Spanish Population ◽

Traditional Mediterranean Diet

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Mediterranean diet in relation to body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980007000833 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 214-217 ◽

Cited By ~ 40

Author(s):

Marta Rossi ◽

Eva Negri ◽

Cristina Bosetti ◽

Luigino Dal Maso ◽

Renato Talamini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Body Mass ◽

Wide Spectrum ◽

Control Group ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Anthropometric Measures ◽

Waist To Hip Ratio ◽

The Mediterranean

AbstractObjectiveThe Mediterranean diet is rich in fat and starch, and hence may be related to overweight. We therefore investigated the relationship between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR).Design and settingData were obtained from the control group of a network of case–control studies on cancer conducted in major teaching and general hospitals in four Italian areas between 1991 and 2002. An interviewer-administered validated 78-item food-frequency questionnaire was used to obtain information on the subjects’ habitual diet. Information on socio-economic factors, lifestyle habits and anthropometric measures was also collected. A Mediterranean diet score (MDS) was derived on the basis of eight characteristics of the Mediterranean diet.SubjectsSubjects were 6619 patients (3090 men, 3529 women) admitted to hospital for a wide spectrum of acute, non-neoplastic conditions, unrelated to known risk factors for cancer and long-term modifications of diet.ResultsIn multiple linear regression models adjusted for age, study centre, education, tobacco smoking, occupational physical activity and total energy intake, the MDS was not related to BMI (β = 0.05 for men and −0.04 for women) or WHR (β = 0.000 and 0.001, respectively) in both sexes.ConclusionsAdherence to the major characteristics of the Mediterranean diet is unrelated to BMI and WHR, confirming previous data from Greece and Spain.

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Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and anthropometric profile of obese Algerian subjects

The North African Journal of Food and Nutrition Research - July-December 2021 ◽

10.51745/najfnr.5.11.23-29 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (11) ◽

pp. 23-29

Author(s):

Lotfi Rahal ◽

Ahmed Ghouini

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Body Mass ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

World Health ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Mediterranean Diet Score ◽

The Mediterranean ◽

Diet Score ◽

Anthropometric Profile

Background: Obesity is currently considered an increasingly more severe social and health-related problem. The World Health Organization qualified obesity as a chronic disease associated with several chronic complications such as circulatory diseases, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory diseases. Aims: We aim to establish the correlation between Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet MD and the anthropometric profile of obese Algerian subjects. Subjects and Methods: Our study included a cohort of 104 subjects. 47 subjects were at a normal weight and 57 subjects with an overweight (a body mass index BMI of 26 to 35 Kg/m2). Assessment of anthropometric profile took into account the BMI and body composition. The adherence to the MD was assessed using Mediterranean Diet Score MDS. Results: there is a positive correlation between adherence to MD and anthropometric parameters in obese subjects. Conclusions: The Mediterranean diet could positively impact comorbidities accompanying this disease that poses a major public health problem. Keywords: Obesity, Mediterranean Diet, anthropometric profile, body mass index, Mediterranean Diet Score.

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Examining the Prevalence of Obesity in Croatia: The Story of the Mediterranean Diet

ECONOMIA AGRO-ALIMENTARE ◽

10.3280/ecag3-2020oa11036 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-32

Author(s):

Danijel Nestic ◽

Tomislav Vukina

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

The Other ◽

Adult Health ◽

Food Groups ◽

Waist To Hip Ratio ◽

Aggregate Index ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity ◽

The Mediterranean ◽

The Impact

The objective of this study is to establish a causal relationship between the Mediterranean diet (MD) and various measures of overweightness using the Croatian Adult Health Survey 2003 data. Our results show that among three measures of obesity (body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and obesity (BMI = 30), we found statistically the most convincing relationship between the BMI and the MD. Our results show that an increase in the Mediterranean diet aggregate index by 10% reduces the BMI by about 0.9%. When the MD10 index is replaced with the set of its ten constituent food groups, as a group, these food variables are jointly statistically significant, most of them have expected (negative) signs, and some of them are also individually significant. For the other two overweight measurements (WHR and obesity) we found that the impact of MD aggregate index is insignificant but when the index is replaced by its ten constituent food elements, these are jointly statistically significant in explaining the variation in the obesity measures.

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Anthropometric characteristics of females in different age groups in Latvia from childhood to adulthood

Papers on Anthropology ◽

10.12697/poa.2019.28.2.06 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Liana Pļaviņa ◽

Helena Kārkliņa ◽

Silvija Umbraško ◽

Jekaterina Stankeviča ◽

David Kachlik

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Body Mass ◽

Tobacco Use ◽

Age Groups ◽

Well Being ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

The Body ◽

Anthropometric Parameters ◽

Anthropometric Characteristics ◽

The Impact

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate changes in main anthropometric parameters such as height, body mass, and body circumferences (chest, upper arm) in different age groups from childhood to adulthood in healthy females in Latvia and to determine the active growing age periods and the impact of tobacco use on anthropometric parameters. We provided a health well-being questionnaire concerning lifestyle and tobacco use. In the present study, we assessed the body mass index (BMI) values to identify body mass index-defined overweight and obesity. The levels of the body mass index exceeded the standard data only in a small number of the examined persons. Body composition data and the body mass index are used as an index of obesity as a standard practice by many clinicians according the recommendations of health authorities as a basis for health behaviour and physical activities to preserve physical and mental health. A significant correlation has been previously reported between anthropometric characteristics, physical activity and health capacity. The study data were collected with the participants’ informed consent. Statistical analysis was performed using a statistics program. The body mass index is the respondents’ major characteristic which describes the physical condition and nutrition level in any age group. Tobacco use by the mother during the pregnancy period has an influence on the child’s body mass and body mass index values that were fixed for girls in the 1st and 2nd childhood periods. Intensive increase in anthropometric parameters was observed during the transition from the adolescence to the youth period.

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