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

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.

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

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 214-217 ◽  
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.

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

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 283
Author(s):  
Ana Bagues ◽  
Andrea Almagro ◽  
Teresa Bermúdez ◽  
Yolanda López-Tofiño ◽  
Antonio González ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
University Education ◽  
Spanish Population ◽  
Academic Degree ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The Impact

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

scholarly journals Worldwide variation of adherence to the Mediterranean diet, in 1961–1965 and 2000–2003

2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (9A) ◽  
pp. 1676-1684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui da Silva ◽  
Anna Bach-Faig ◽  
Blanca Raidó Quintana ◽  
Genevieve Buckland ◽  
Maria Daniel Vaz de Almeida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Pattern ◽  
The Other ◽  
Mediterranean Country ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Balance Sheets ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
The World ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
European Group

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to analyse the worldwide trends of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), in 1961–1965 and 2000–2003.DesignData were obtained from the FAO food balance sheets in two periods: 1961–1965 and 2000–2003. In order to have a sample from across the world, forty-one countries were selected. The average of available energy for different food groups was calculated for all selected countries. These values were used to evaluate the adherence to the MD through a variation of Mediterranean Adequacy Index (MAI).ResultsThe majority of the forty-one countries in this study have tended to drift away from a Mediterranean-like dietary pattern. Mediterranean Europe and the Other Mediterranean country groups suffered a significant decrease in their MAI values. The Mediterranean European group, especially Greece, experienced the greatest decrease in MAI value.In both periods, the Other Mediterranean countries showed the highest MAI values. In an analysis by countries, Iran had the highest increase in MAI across the time periods, and Egypt occupied the first place in the ranking in 2000–2003.The Northern European group was the only one that registered an increase in MAI, although this was not statistically significant.ConclusionsMany countries in the Mediterranean basin are drifting away from the Mediterranean dietary pattern (MDP). However, countries in Northern Europe and some other countries around the world are taking on a Mediterranean-like dietary pattern. The Other Mediterranean countries have the closest adherence to the MDP, currently and in the 1960s. Nutrition policy actions to tackle dietary westernisation and preserve the healthy prudent MDP are required.

scholarly journals Sex-Related Differences in the Effects of the Mediterranean Diet on Glucose and Insulin Homeostasis

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Bédard ◽  
Louise Corneau ◽  
Benoît Lamarche ◽  
Sylvie Dodin ◽  
Simone Lemieux
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Insulin Sensitivity ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Sex Difference ◽  
Premenopausal Women ◽  
Nonesterified Fatty Acids ◽  
Time Interaction ◽  
Insulin Homeostasis ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The Impact

Objective. To document sex differences in the impact of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) on glucose/insulin homeostasis and to verify whether these sex-related effects were associated with changes in nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA).Methods. All foods were provided to 38 men and 32 premenopausal women (24–53 y) during 4 weeks. Variables were measured during a 180 min OGTT before and after the MedDiet.Results. A sex-by-time interaction for plasma insulin iAUC was found (men: −17.8%,P=0.02; women: +9.4%,P=0.63;Pfor sex-by-time interaction = 0.005). A sex-by-time interaction was also observed for insulin sensitivity (Cederholm index,P=0.03), for which only men experienced improvements (men: +8.1%,P=0.047; women: −5.9%,P=0.94). No sex difference was observed for glucose and C-peptide responses. Trends toward a decrease in NEFA AUC (P=0.06) and an increase in NEFA suppression rate (P=0.06) were noted, with no sex difference. Changes in NEFA were not associated with change in insulin sensitivity.Conclusions. Results suggest that the more favorable changes in glucose/insulin homeostasis observed in men compared to women in response to the MedDiet are not explained by sex differences in NEFA response. This clinical trial is registered with clinicaltrials.govNCT01293344.

scholarly journals Self-Perceived Physical Activity and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Healthy Adolescents during COVID-19: Findings from the DIMENU Pilot Study

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 622
Author(s):  
Angelo Galluccio ◽  
Giovanna Caparello ◽  
Ennio Avolio ◽  
Emanuele Manes ◽  
Simona Ferraro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Wellness Programs ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
The Self ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Mediterranean Diet Adherence ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The Impact

The global pandemic coronavirus disease (COVID-19) resulted in restrictions which forced adolescents to stay at home and influenced their food habits and lifestyles with potential negative health impact. This study aims to investigate the self-reported physical activity (PA) and eating habits related to the consumption of Mediterranean foods in a sample of adolescents during the COVID-19 lockdown enrolled into the DIMENU study. A web survey was launched for 91 adolescents (aged 15–17 years) to assess their adherence to the Mediterranean Diet using the KIDMED test and lifestyle habits using a questionnaire designed following recommendations by Italian National Institute of Health (ISS score). Our results indicate that most of the sample declared no changes in eating habits and PA without sex differences. After dividing the sample into active and sedentary groups based on the self-perceived PA, we found that KIDMED and ISS scores were significantly higher (p = 0.0028 and p = 0.0001, respectively) in active adolescents. Moreover, KIDMED was positively correlated with ISS only in active adolescents (r = 0.311, p = 0.0185). In conclusion, our data underline the impact of the PA on the Mediterranean diet adherence in adolescents during the lockdown, suggesting the usefulness of promoting wellness programs directed towards inactive individuals to increase their awareness on the importance of healthy lifestyles.

Associations between risk of malnutrition with dietary intake in people of older age: results from the HELIAD study

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eirini Mamalaki ◽  
Costas A. Anastasiou ◽  
Meropi D. Kontogianni ◽  
Mary H. Kosmidis ◽  
Georgios M. Hadjigeorgiou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Energy Intake ◽  
Nutritional Risk ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Specific Food

AbstractIntroductionLife expectancy has increased leading to a concomitant increase in the population of older people. Malnutrition, a major problem in this age group, deteriorates their health and quality of life. The association between risk of malnutrition and dietary intake has not been investigated sufficiently. The aim of this study was to examine potential associations between risk of malnutrition and dietary intake in a representative cohort of adults ≥ 65 years old.Materials and methods1,831 older people (mean age 73.1 ± 5.9 years old) from the HELIAD study were included in the analyses. Risk of malnutrition was assessed with the “Determine your Nutritional Health” checklist. Total score of the questionnaire ranges from 1–21, with 0–2 indicating good nutritional status, 3–5 moderate nutritional risk and ≥ 6 high nutritional risk. Dietary intake was evaluated with a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, validated for the Greek population, from which consumption of specific food groups (non-refined cereals, fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, red meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, alcohol and sweets in servings/day) was estimated, as well as adherence to the Mediterranean diet, using a relevant a priori score.Results35.8% of the participants were well-nourished, 34.8% were at moderate nutritional risk and 29.4% were at high nutritional risk. Total energy intake did not differ between the groups (1,984 ± 500 kcal/day for those well-nourished, 1,995 ± 537 kcal/day for those at moderate nutritional risk and 1,934 ± 566 kcal/day for those at high nutritional risk, p = 0.140). Well-nourished older people consumed per day more portions of vegetables, fruits, legumes, poultry, sweets and fewer portions of alcohol compared to those at moderate and high risk (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, adherence to the Mediterranean diet differed significantly between the groups, i.e. those well-nourished had greater adherence to the Mediterranean Diet compared to the other groups (p < 0.001).DiscussionAlthough energy intake did not differ between the groups, there were significant differences in quality of their diet, as this was depicted in specific food group intake and adherence to a healthy dietary pattern. Thus, health experts should also consider diet quality when screening malnutrition in this vulnerable age group.

scholarly journals Sex Differences in the Effects of Repeated Taste Exposure to the Mediterranean Diet: A 6-month Follow-up Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. 125-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Bédard ◽  
Louise Corneau ◽  
Sylvie Dodin ◽  
Simone Lemieux
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Time Interaction ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Taste Exposure

Purpose: To determine whether an intervention based mainly on exposure to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), along with recommendations and tools for encouraging healthy eating, lead to different effects on dietary adherence and body weight management six months post-intervention in Canadian men and women. Methods: Thirty-eight males and 32 premenopausal females (all aged 24–53 years) were exposed to the same 4-week experimental MedDiet during which all foods were provided to participants. Participants also received some recommendations and tools to adhere to a healthy way of eating, with no other contact until the 6-month follow-up visit. Results: Compared with baseline, the Mediterranean score (MedScore) increased at the end of the 6-month follow-up (time effect P = 0.003), with no sex difference (sex-by-time interaction P = 0.97). With regard to MedScore components, sex differences were observed with males reporting changes in more dietary food groups than females. Although the intervention was not focused on body weight management, compared with baseline, BMI decreased during the intervention in both males and females; however, only females maintained the lower BMI 6 months after the intervention. Conclusions: Exposure to the MedDiet for a short duration promotes the adherence to this food pattern in both sexes and helps in the management of body weight, especially in females.

scholarly journals Obesity and Skin Problems in Persons With a Lower Limb Amputation: An Observational Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terezka S. Mollee ◽  
Pieter U. Dijkstra ◽  
Rienk Dekker ◽  
Jan H.B. Geertzen
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Lower Limb Amputation ◽  
Limb Amputation ◽  
Residual Limb ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: A lower limb amputation can lead to weight gain and obesity. However, data regarding the prevalence of obesity in the Dutch population with a lower limb amputation are lacking. Furthermore, the impact of obesity on skin problems of the residual limb and the need of prosthetic repairs is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity in Dutch persons with a lower limb amputation and to investigate the relationship between body weight, body mass index and skin problems of the residual limb and the frequency of prosthetic repairs. Methods: A survey was performed among adults with a unilateral lower limb amputation due to any cause, and who are user of a prosthesis. The survey consisted of measurement of the subjects’ body height and weight, a questionnaire which assessed self-reported skin problems in the previous month and factors potentially associated with these skin problems, and assessment of the frequency of visits to the orthopedic workshop. Results: In total, 413 persons were enrolled. Of them, 39% (95% confidence interval 35%−44%) was overweight and 28% (95% confidence interval 24%−33%) was obese. A total of 77% (95% confidence interval 73%−81%) reported one or more skin problems in the past month. Body weight and body mass index were neither associated with the presence of skin problems in general nor with the number of prosthetic repairs. Persons with severe skin problems had a slightly lower body mass index (26.6 kg/m2 vs. 28.0 kg/m2, p = 0.012). Persons with skin problems were younger than those without (difference in means 6.0 years (95% confidence interval 3.0−8.9)). Conclusion: Our findings show that obesity is common in the ambulant population with a lower limb amputation, with a prevalence being higher than in the general Dutch adult population. However, its negative impact on the presence of skin problems and the frequency of prosthetic repairs may be limited.

Does adherence to the Mediterranean diet modify the impact of smoking on health?

Public Health ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 123 (6) ◽  
pp. 459-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.I. Vardavas ◽  
A. Papadaki ◽  
W.H.M. Saris ◽  
A.G. Kafatos
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
The Impact
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