Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet and Body Weight Status in a Scottish Population

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is at an all-time high in Scotland and strategies are needed to halt this epidemic. The Mediterranean diet is a healthy eating pattern, high in wholegrains, vegetables and fruit and low in processed foods, red meats and confectionary. The eating pattern has been inversely associated with overweight and obesity in Mediterranean countries; however, the relationship has not been investigated in a Scottish context. This healthy dietary strategy could help Scots maintain a healthy body weight status and contribute to the fight against overweight and obesity. The aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between Mediterranean diet adherence and overweight and obesity in a Scottish population. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 69 adults were recruited by email from three locations around Edinburgh. Mediterranean diet adherence was evaluated using a validated 14-item Mediterranean diet screener with adherence defined as a score ≥9. Physical activity was assessed using a validated 7-item, 7-day, physical activity recall and defined as low, medium or high. The Mediterranean diet adherence screener and 7-day physical activity recall were completed as part of an online questionnaire that included other lifestyle variables. At assessment, following completion of the questionnaire, participant body mass index, waist circumference and weight to height ratio were measured and calculated following standard anthropometric protocols. Body fat percentage was ascertained by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results: 27.5% of all subjects adhered to a Mediterranean diet and women were 5.6 times more likely to adhere to a Mediterranean diet then men (p=0.004). Overweight and obesity prevalence was 59% and was positively associated with age (p=0.021). Men were 7.9 times more likely to be overweight or obese than women (p<0.01). Participants that adhered to a Mediterranean diet tended to have lower overweight and obesity measurements; however, no significant relationship was found between Mediterranean diet adherence or diet screener score and overweight and obesity. Conclusion: No statistically significant associations were observed between Mediterranean diet and overweight and obesity in this small study; however, the trends observed were consistent with the findings of larger studies in other countries. The present study indicates that a larger, Scottish study with greater statistical power is warranted to further elucidate this relationship. Keywords: Mediterranean diet; diet; lifestyle; overweight; obesity; weight gain