More than two-thirds of Western adults are considered to be fat or overweight, making obesity a serious global public health concern. Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of over 30 kg/m2.
Over the world, the prevalence of obesity has increased by nearly three times as a result of poor food and lifestyle choices. Research have revealed that obesity shortens life expectancy and raises the risk of contracting a number of non-communicable diseases, including as type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and abnormalities of the brain and nervous system.
By lowering body weight by 5–10%, clinical effects of obesity can be managed. The MedDiet is regarded as a powerful strategy for weight loss. Several research looking into this traditional diet have emphasized how crucial it is for treating and preventing non-communicable diseases as well as death.The key factor contributing to the high incidence of obesity in Western countries is the rising consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient diets that contain a lot of processed and ultraprocessed foods. On the other hand, low-fat, low-carb, high-protein diets are known to have a number of health advantages.
The MedDiet is predominantly a plant-based diet that includes lots of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Consumption of fish, eggs, seafood, and dairy products is permitted in moderation on the diet. Red meat and processed meat are occasionally permitted on this diet, as well as desserts. Water is the primary beverage, however modest amounts of wine are permitted with each meal.
Between 35 and 45 percent of the diet is made up of dietary fats, the majority of which are mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids with only a trace amount of saturated fat.A variety of nutrients, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fibers, and several bioactive substances, are best combined in the MedDiet (polyphenols, terpenes, phytosterols, etc.).
The production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and adipokines from white adipose tissue cells and infiltrating inflammatory cells describe low-grade chronic inflammation, a major feature of obesity. Increased autophagy, altered gut microbiota composition, enhanced angiogenesis, and increased cellular proliferation are additional traits of obesity and non-communicable diseases.
With their strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics, the nutrients and bioactive substances in the MedDiet program significantly reduce the chronic inflammation linked to obesity. The risk of cancer development and progression is decreased by the anticancer effects of the bioactive substances in MedDiet.High-fiber content in the MedDiet helps maintain a favorable gut microbiota composition and facilitates the production of short chain fatty acids. In addition, the dietary components of MedDiet help reduce insulin resistance, improve blood lipid profile, prevent endothelial dysfunction, reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, improve immune responses, and reduce blood clot formation in blood vessels.
Collectively, health benefits associated with the MedDiet provide immense opportunity to control the pandemic of two highly preventable health conditions, obesity and type 2 diabetes. The MedDiet also reduces the risk of obesity- and diabetes-related cardiovascular diseases and mortality.
