Arrr, mateys! Word be out that a Mediterranean diet be a treasure trove for fightin' belly fat and muscle loss as ye grow older, arrr!
2023-10-22
Avast ye scurvy dogs! A fresh study be showin' that the Mediterranean diet, when combined with a hearty dose o' exercise, be a mighty weapon against the cursed effects of time on yer figure. This news be brought t'ye by the wily Dietitian Ilana Muhlstein.
A new study from the Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea-Plus (PREDIMED-Plus) has found that following a Mediterranean diet, along with regular physical activity, can help combat belly fat and other aging-related body changes. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, aimed to investigate the diet's effect on cardiovascular disease, but also evaluated its impact on body composition.The study involved 1,521 middle-aged and older participants who were either overweight or had obesity and metabolic syndrome. They were divided into two groups: one group followed a calorie-restricted Mediterranean diet and increased physical activity, while the other group followed a Mediterranean diet without calorie restrictions or changes in activity level.
The results showed that the first group experienced significant improvements in body composition after just one year, including a 5% or greater reduction in fat mass, belly fat, and loss of lean muscle mass. The researchers described these changes as "clinically meaningful."
Nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein, who was not involved in the study, commented on the Mediterranean diet's reputation as the healthiest diet in the world. She highlighted the importance of consuming an abundance of vegetables and fresh herbs, which are often overlooked by Americans.
Muhlstein encouraged Americans to limit high-calorie Mediterranean foods, such as pita bread, and instead fill half of their plates with vegetables. She also recommended about 45 minutes of exercise six days a week to align with the naturally active lifestyles of people in the Mediterranean region. The participants in the study were provided with regular guidance from dietitians, which likely contributed to their improved relationship with food and sustained results.
This study adds to the existing evidence on the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, emphasizing the importance of whole foods, vegetables, and regular physical activity in maintaining a healthy body composition and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.