Validity and reliability study of the Mediterranean Lifestyle Index: Turkish adaptation.

Objective: The Mediterranean Lifestyle Index (MEDLIFE) differs from similar scales in that it concurrently includes diet and lifestyle. The current study translated MEDLIFE into Turkish, and assessed its reliability and validity. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 300 individuals 19-65 years of age. The questionnaire was subsequently re-administered to 87 research participants. The questionnaire, asking for general information, MEDLIFE, and information regarding anthropometric measurements, was sent to the users of an online platform. The scale was converted into the applicable Turkish form by an expert group. Test-retest reliability was evaluated with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). In addition, kappa coefficients (k) and Bland-Altman graphs were determined for each item to assess reliability. Results: The mean scores before and after were 14.5 ± 3.68 and 14.3 ± 3.81, respectively, and the intercorrelation coefficient r was 0.817 for test-re-test reliability. Conclusion: The validity and reliability of the scale in the Turkish language was confirmed. This study is the first to translate MEDLIFE into another language and may aid in assessing the scale's adaptability to other languages. Food consumption record and physical activity record studies must be performed to ensure validity.

Mediterranean lifestyle index and 24-h systolic blood pressure and heart rate in community-dwelling older adults.

Specific foods, nutrients, dietary patterns, and physical activity are associated with lower blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR), but little is known about the joint effect of lifestyle factors captured in a multidimensional score. We assessed the association of a validated Mediterranean-lifestyle (MEDLIFE) index with 24-h-ambulatory BP and HR in everyday life among community-living older adults. Data were taken from 2,184 individuals (51% females, mean age: 71.4 years) from the Seniors-ENRICA-2 cohort. The MEDLIFE index consisted of 29 items arranged in three blocks: 1) Food consumption; 2) Dietary habits; and 3) Physical activity, rest, and conviviality. A higher MEDLIFE score (0-29 points) represented a better Mediterranean lifestyle adherence. 24-h-ambulatory BP and HR were obtained with validated oscillometric devices. Analyses were performed with linear regression adjusted for the main confounders. The MEDLIFE-highest quintile (vs Q1) was associated with lower nighttime systolic BP (SBP) (-3.17 mmHg [95% CI: -5.25, -1.08]; p-trend = 0.011), greater nocturnal-SBP fall (1.67% [0.51, 2.83]; p-trend = 0.052), and lower HR (-2.04 bpm [daytime], -2.33 bpm [nighttime], and -1.93 bpm [24-h]; all p-trend < 0.001). Results were similar for each of the three blocks of MEDLIFE and by hypertension status (yes/no). Among older adults, higher adherence to MEDLIFE was associated with lower nighttime SBP, greater nocturnal-SBP fall, and lower HR in their everyday life. These results suggest a synergistic BP-related protection from the components of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Future studies should determine whether these results replicate in older adults from other Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean countries.

Developing Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors in Early Age-An Intervention Study in Kindergartens.

Childhood obesity prevention is a leading public health challenge requiring the adoption of healthy lifestyles at an early age. We examined how the kindergarten environment can promote eating sensibly, drinking water and becoming physically active. The effects of an intervention program among 42 Israeli kindergartens (1048 children, aged 4-6) whose teachers participated in a health education training program were compared to 32 kindergartens (842 children) whose teachers did not undergo this training program. An eight-month intervention program focused on knowledge/mathematical/logical/critical thinking, self-regulation/control acquisition, and sensible decision-making abilities. We hypothesized that nutrition and physical-exercise-oriented intervention programs, combining knowledge/mathematical logical thinking, would positively impact the quality of children's mid-morning snack and water consumption, their ability to express feelings following physical exercise, and the adoption of healthy lifestyles at home. The quality of mid-morning snacks and water consumption were observed in both groups pre- and post-intervention. Qualitative interviews documented children's subjective feelings following physical exercise. A significant improvement (p < 0.001) was observed in the mid-morning snacks composition and in water drinking habits in the intervention group; 80% of children offered a physiological explanation regarding energy expenditure processes following intense physical exercise. In conclusion, kindergarten interventions implemented by trained teachers can promote adoption of health behaviors necessary for obesity prevention.

Adherence to a Mediterranean lifestyle improves metabolic status in coronary heart disease patients: A prospective analysis from the CORDIOPREV study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A Mediterranean lifestyle may prevent and mitigate cardiometabolic disorders. We explored whether adherence to a Mediterranean lifestyle was prospectively associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. METHODS: The Coronary Diet Intervention with Olive Oil and Cardiovascular Prevention (CORDIOPREV) study was an interventional diet study to compare a Mediterranean diet with a low-fat diet, in 1002 CHD patients. The Mediterranean lifestyle (MEDLIFE) index was used to assess adherence to a MEDLIFE at baseline, and after 5 years, in 851 participants from the CORDIOPREV study. Subjects were classified as having high (>13 points), moderate (12-13 points), and low (<12 points) adherence to the MEDLIFE. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the association between MEDLIFE adherence and the risk of MetS development or reversal. RESULTS: During the 5-year follow-up, CORDIOPREV participants with high adherence to MEDLIFE had a lower risk of MetS development (odds ratio [OR] 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.19-0.75, p < 0.01) and a higher likelihood of reversing preexisting MetS (OR 2.08 CI 95% 1.11-3.91, p = 0.02) compared with participants in the low MEDLIFE adherence group. Each additional one-point increment in the MEDLIFE index was associated with a 24% lower risk of MetS development (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.64-0.90, p < 0.01) and a 21% higher likelihood of reversing preexisting MetS (OR 1.21 CI 95% 1.04-1.41, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that greater adherence to a MEDLIFE reduced the risk of subsequent MetS development and increased the likelihood of reversing preexisting MetS among patients with CHD at baseline.

Effects of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Diet Counselling on Adherence to the Mediterranean Lifestyle in Patients after Myocardial Infarction.

Adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle­as captured by the Medlife Index Questionnaire (i.e., encompassing a Mediterranean diet as well as other aspects of healthy living, such as food preparation, physical activity, and socializing)­has been associated with reduced cardiovascular events in healthy individuals. In the present study, we sought to determine the adherence to, and the effect of comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation on, Mediterranean lifestyle adherence in patients after myocardial infarction. We included 121 patients (mean age, 55 years; women, 37%) undergoing comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation­i.e., exercise training 3 times per week for 12 weeks plus dedicated workshops promoting the Mediterranean lifestyle. Before and after cardiac rehabilitation, patients completed the Medlife Index Questionnaire. High baseline adherence was associated with favourable glucose (5.39 vs. 6.1 mmol/L; p < 0.001), triglycerides (1.1 vs. 1.5 mmol/L; p = 0.002), and HDL cholesterol levels (1.32 vs. 1.12 mmol/L; p = 0.032). More importantly, the Medlife Score significantly improved following comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation in patients with low baseline adherence (from 13.8 to 16.7 points; p < 0.001), but not in patients with high baseline adherence (from 19.4 to 18.8 points; p = 0.205). Our findings suggested that Mediterranean lifestyle promotion during cardiac rehabilitation improved adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle, especially in low-adherence patients.

Assessment Strategies to Evaluate the Mediterranean Lifestyle: A Systematic Review.

The Mediterranean Lifestyle (MLS) has been related to better health and quality of life. However, there is no consensus on how to assess this lifestyle. The main objective of this work was to systematically review the methodology used in different studies on the evaluation of the MLS. The specific objectives were (1) to analyze the MLS components evaluated in previous studies, (2) to explore the assessment instruments available for the analysis of the MLS, and (3) to identify the psychometric properties of these instruments. The search was carried out using the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases with the purpose of identifying those published articles in which the MLS was assessed. The review included 26 studies linked to the assessment of the MLS. Of these studies, only four exclusively used a tool to analyze MLS components globally. These studies included two questionnaires and three different indexes. None of them, however, evaluated all of the recognized MLS components, and food preparation was the least frequently evaluated component. Given the clear importance of analyzing MLS adherence and the lack of consensus in previous research, an evaluation tool needs to be created to comprehensively assess all of the MLS dimensions by means of appropriate psychometric properties.

Impact of Physical Activity Differences Due to COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Parameters in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: A Mediterranean lifestyle with a Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity (PA) improves metabolic syndrome (MetS) characteristics and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The COVID-19 pandemic stopped healthy habits and increased NAFLD progression. OBJECTIVES: To assess how PA differences due to COVID-19 lockdown affected NAFLD parameters in adults with MetS. DESIGN: Longitudinal 2-year analysis of data obtained between COVID-19 pre- and post-lockdown in a parallel-group randomized trial (n = 57, aged 40-60 years old, with MetS and NAFLD). METHODS: NAFLD status and related parameters were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), blood collection analysis and related indexes. PA and fitness status were assessed by an Alpha-Fit test battery, accelerometers, validated Minnesota questionnaire and functional fitness score. During lockdown, study personnel telephoned patients to motivate them. Participants were grouped according to PA levels. RESULTS: The low PA group improved its fitness score tests (0.2) after lockdown more than the medium PA group, and it decreased its sedentary activity (-48.7 min/day), increased light (20.9 min/day) and moderate (32.3 min/day) PA intensities and improved sleep efficiency (0.6%) in comparison with the medium and high PA groups. The high PA group increased its steps per day more than the other groups. The low PA group was the only group that decreased its gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels (-17.0 U/L). All groups increased their fatty liver index (FLI) after lockdown, but the medium PA group increased its FLI more than the low PA group. Participants in the high PA group decreased their HDL-cholesterol levels more than participants in the medium PA group (-0.4 mg/dL). CONCLUSIONS: Stopping regular PA together with an unhealthy lifestyle leads to a worsening of MetS and NAFLD. COVID-19 lockdown induced a decrease in PA in more active people, but inactive people increased their PA levels. Motivation seemed to be very important during lockdown.

Association between Stages of Hepatic Steatosis and Physical Activity Performance in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in FLIPAN Study.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease. The best treatment now is a healthy lifestyle with a Mediterranean diet and physical activity (PA). OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between stages of hepatic steatosis and physical activity performance in adults with metabolic syndrome. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study in 155 participants (40-60 years old) with MetS, a diagnosis of NAFLD by magnetic resonance imaging and BMI (body mass index) between 27 and 40 kg/m2. METHODS: Stages of hepatic steatosis were assessed and defined according to the percentage of intrahepatic fat contents: stage 0 ≤ 6.4% (control group); stage 1 = 6.4-17.4%; stage 2 ≥ 17.4%. Fitness was assessed through ALPHA-FIT test battery for adults, aerobic capacity by Chester-step test and PA by accelerometry and Minnesota questionnaire. RESULTS: Participants without NAFLD reported more years of education and major socioeconomic status than participants with NAFLD. A higher percentage of people in the most advanced stage of NAFLD were no smokers and no alcohol consumers. They also had higher stages of steatosis, lower sitting handgrip, standing handgrip, Chester step test values, sleep efficiency, and energy expenditure, and higher intensity of light and moderate physical activity, and self-reported physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: NAFLD patients showed lower fitness status, aerobic capacity, sleep efficiency and energy expenditure than non-NAFLD participants.

Association between Physical Activity and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: The FLIPAN Study.

Background: A lifestyle with regular PA (physical activity) and Mediterranean diet has benefits on NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) and MetS (metabolic syndrome). Objectives: To assess the association between physical activity and NAFLD in adults with MetS. Design: Cross-sectional study in 155 participants (40−60 years old) from Balearic Islands and Navarra (Spain) with diagnosis of NAFLD and MetS, and BMI (body mass index) between 27 and 40 Kg/m2. Methods: PA level was categorized into two groups according to weekly METs (metabolic equivalents of tasks). PA was assessed using a validated Minnesota questionnaire and accelerometers. MetS parameters were assessed by blood collection analysis and NAFLD by abdominal MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Results: Participants with high PA showed more energy expenditure and expended more calories than ingested (−143.9 Kcal/day; p < 0.001). PA was a risk factor for AST (aspartate aminotransferase) (adjusted OR: 7.26; 95% CI: 1.79−29.40) and a protective factor for ALT (alanine aminotransferase) (adjusted OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.12−0.48), GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) (adjusted OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.29−0.94) and IFC-NMR (intrahepatic fat content by nuclear magnetic resonance) (adjusted OR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.12−0.56) when sociodemographic confounders were considered. Conclusions: NAFLD patients with high PA showed more positive relationship on MetS parameters and liver profile (ALT, GGT, IFC-NMR) than subjects with low PA, but not for AST. Difference between calories ingested and expended influenced this relationship.

Healthy Lifestyle Score and Incidence of Glaucoma: The Sun Project.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between modifiable risk factors, such as diet and lifestyle, and glaucoma remains controversial. We analyse the effect of the Mediterranean lifestyle (ML) on glaucoma incidence in the "Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra" (SUN) Project. METHODS: The SUN Healthy Lifestyle Score (SHLS) includes 10 healthy habits: never having smoked, moderate to high physical activity, Mediterranean diet adherence, moderate alcohol consumption, low television exposure, no binge drinking, short afternoon napping, meeting up with friends, working at least 40 h/wk, and low body mass index. The information was collected biennially through self-reported questionnaires. The relationship between new glaucoma cases and the SHLS was assessed by Cox regression using hazard ratios. Crude, multi-adjusted, and sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: During a median of 12 years of follow-up, 261 (1.42%) new cases of glaucoma were identified among 18,420 participants. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants in the healthiest SHLS category showed a significantly reduced risk of glaucoma compared to those in the lowest SHLS category (adjusted HR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.28-0.93). For each point added to the SHLS, the risk of glaucoma relatively dropped 5%. CONCLUSIONS: Higher adherence to a ML, measured by the SHLS, was significantly associated with a lower risk of developing glaucoma. Based on our study, the ML is a protective factor for glaucoma incidence.

A Mediterranean Lifestyle and Frailty Incidence in Older Adults: The Seniors-ENRICA-1 Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Frailty is a geriatric syndrome that entails high risk of hospitalization, disability, and death. While adherence to Mediterranean diet has been associated with lower risk of frailty, the joint effect of diet and lifestyle is uncertain. This study examined the association between a Mediterranean lifestyle (diet, customs, and traditions) and frailty incidence in older adults. METHODS: We analyzed data from 1 880 individuals aged ≥ 60 from the prospective Seniors-ENRICA-1 cohort. Adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle was assessed at baseline with the 27-item MEDLIFE index (higher scores representing better adherence), divided into 3 blocks: (1) "Mediterranean food consumption," (2) "Mediterranean dietary habits" (practices around meals)," and (3) "Physical activity, rest, social habits and conviviality." Frailty was ascertained as the presence of ≥ 3 of the 5 Fried criteria: (a) Exhaustion; (b) Muscle weakness; (c) Low physical activity; (d) Slow walking speed; and (e) Unintentional weight loss. Main statistical analyses were performed using logistic regression models, adjusting for the main confounders. RESULTS: After a 3.3-year follow-up, 136 incident frailty cases were ascertained. Compared with participants in the lowest tertile of the MEDLIFE score, the OR (95% CI) for frailty was 0.88 (0.58-1.34) for the second tertile, and 0.38 (0.21-0.69) for the third tertile (p-trend = .003). Blocks 1 and 3 of the MEDLIFE score were independently associated with lower frailty risk. Most items within these blocks showed a tendency to reduced frailty. CONCLUSIONS: Higher adherence to a Mediterranean lifestyle was associated with lower risk of frailty.

Mediterranean diet scoring systems: understanding the evolution and applications for Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean countries.

The Mediterranean diet (MedD) is a flexible dietary pattern which has such variability that has led to inconsistencies in definitions and assessment. The purpose of this narrative review is to evaluate scoring systems in a cultural and geographic context, from Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean countries, for comparison and application. The early MedD scoring systems (i.e. Trichopoulou's MedD Scale (T-MDS) and alternative MedD Scale (aMed)) are widely applied throughout the world but use population-specific median cut-offs which limit interpretation and cross-study comparisons. The T-MDS and aMed also do not account for non-traditional MedD foods which are consumed in greater quantities than when the scoring systems were developed. Scoring systems developed after the MedD pyramid publication in 2011 have generally used these recommendations as a basis for food group intake cut-offs, incorporating more foods/food groups as negative components, and some have included dietary and lifestyle behaviours. The different approaches to MedD assessment have created much variability in the foods/food group components included in scoring systems. Assessments that include dietary and lifestyle behaviours may reflect the nutrition transition occurring in Mediterranean countries and better guide clinical intervention approaches. While the new scoring systems are theorised to better capture MedD adherence and behaviours, comparisons are sparse in the literature and none exists outside of Europe. Consensus on food and dietary behaviours to include as well as the methodology for assigning points in MedD scoring systems is needed to advance our understanding of MedD and health relationships to promote public health messaging and clinical application.

A Mediterranean lifestyle reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in the "Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra" (SUN) cohort.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A healthy lifestyle is essential to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, beyond dietary habits, there is a scarcity of studies comprehensively assessing the typical traditional Mediterranean lifestyle with a multi-dimensional index. We assessed the association between the Mediterranean lifestyle (measured with the MEDLIFE index including diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors) and the incidence of CVD. METHODS AND RESULTS: The "Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra" (SUN) project is a prospective, dynamic and multipurpose cohort of Spanish university graduates. We calculated a MEDLIFE score, composed of 28 items on food consumption, dietary habits, physical activity, rest, social habits, and conviviality, for 18,631 participants by assigning 1 point for each typical Mediterranean lifestyle factor achieved, for a theoretically possible final score ranging from 0 to 28 points. During an average follow-up of 11.5 years, 172 CVD cases (myocardial infarction, stroke or cardiovascular death) were observed. An inverse association between the MEDLIFE score and the risk of primary cardiovascular events was observed, with multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 0.50; (95% confidence interval, 0.31-0.81) for the highest MEDLIFE scores (14-23 points) compared to the lowest scores (0-9 points), p (trend) = 0.004. CONCLUSION: A higher level of adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle was significantly associated with a lower risk of CVD in a Spanish cohort. Public health strategies should promote the Mediterranean lifestyle to preserve cardiovascular health.

A weight-loss Mediterranean diet/lifestyle intervention ameliorates inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: results of the "MIMOSA" randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Inflammation and oxidative stress are implicated in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) pathophysiology. We aimed at exploring whether the combination of a weight-loss Mediterranean diet/lifestyle intervention with OSA standard care, i.e., continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) prescription, can lead to greater improvements in inflammation and oxidative stress, compared to standard care alone. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled clinical trial in 187 adult, overweight patients with moderate-to-severe OSA. Participants were randomized to a standard care (SCG, n = 65), a Mediterranean diet (MDG, n = 62) or a Mediterranean lifestyle group (MLG, n = 60). All groups received OSA standard care. Intervention arms participated in a 6-month behavioral weight-loss intervention based on the Mediterranean diet, while the MLG also received counselling on physical activity and sleep habits. RESULTS: Seven patients were excluded and 53/180 were lost to follow-up. In intention to treat analysis (n = 180), the SCG did not exhibit changes in any of the markers assessed. Post-intervention age-, sex-, baseline- and CPAP use-adjusted plasma high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (mg/L) were lower in the MDG and the MLG compared to the SCG (mean difference - 1.33, P = 0.039 and - 1.68, P = 0.007, respectively). The MLG also exhibited lower urinary 8-iso prostaglandin F2a levels (ng/mg creatinine) compared to the SCG and the MDG (mean difference - 1.10, P < 0.0001 and - 0.80, P = 0.001, respectively). Adiponectin and oxidized guanine levels were not altered in any of the study groups. Results were similar in per protocol analysis (n = 127). CONCLUSION: A weight-loss Mediterranean diet/lifestyle intervention on top of CPAP has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits in OSA. REGISTRATION: The trial was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02515357) on August 4, 2015.

Association between the Mediterranean lifestyle, metabolic syndrome and mortality: a whole-country cohort in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Evidence is limited about the joint health effects of the Mediterranean lifestyle on cardiometabolic health and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of the Mediterranean lifestyle with the frequency of the metabolic syndrome (MS) and the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in Spain. METHODS: Data were taken from ENRICA study, a prospective cohort of 11,090 individuals aged 18+ years, representative of the population of Spain, who were free of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes at 2008-2010 and were followed-up to 2017. The Mediterranean lifestyle was assessed at baseline with the 27-item MEDLIFE index (with higher score representing better adherence). RESULTS: Compared to participants in the lowest quartile of MEDLIFE, those in the highest quartile had a multivariable-adjusted odds ratio 0.73 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.5, 0.93) for MS, 0.63. (0.51, 0.80) for abdominal obesity, and 0.76 (0.63, 0.90) for low HDL-cholesterol. Similarly, a higher MELDIFE score was associated with lower HOMA-IR and highly-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P-trend < 0.001). During a mean follow-up of 8.7 years, 330 total deaths (74 CVD deaths) were ascertained. When comparing those in highest vs. lowest quartile of MEDLIFE, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) was 0.58 (0.37, 0.90) for total mortality and 0.33 (0.11, 1.02) for cardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The Mediterranean lifestyle was associated with lower frequency of MS and reduced all-cause mortality in Spain. Future studies should determine if this also applies to other Mediterranean countries, and also improve cardiovascular health outside the Mediterranean basin.

Association between Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Mediterranean Lifestyle: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an excessive accumulation of fat in the liver without alcohol abuse. It is linked to metabolic syndrome (MetS) and no pharmacological treatment exists. This systematic review aims to assess evidence about the effect of Mediterranean lifestyle on the prevention and reversion of NAFLD. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE via Pubmed. MeSH terms used were: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [MeSH Major Topic] AND metabolic syndrome [MeSH Term] AND (Diet, Mediterranean [MeSH Term]) OR (Exercise [MeSH Term]). (PROSPERO ID: 2021 CRD42021289495). RESULTS: Thirteen articles were selected and divided into two categories (four focused on Mediterranean diet and NAFLD and nine focused on Mediterranean diet, physical activity, and NAFLD). Information of clinical endpoints was based on NAFLD, as well as MetS, body mass index, fasting glycemia, obesity, cholesterol, triglycerides, transaminases, albuminuria, and hepatic steatosis, among others. All studies found beneficial associations between the clinical parameters of NAFLD/MetS and following a Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: An effective treatment that prevents, and even reverses, NAFLD is to adapt lifestyle to the Mediterranean one, based on a Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity.

The effectiveness of a weight-loss Mediterranean diet/lifestyle intervention in the management of obstructive sleep apnea: Results of the "MIMOSA" randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the first-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), lifestyle interventions have also emerged as complementary therapeutic choices. We aimed to explore whether the addition of a weight-loss Mediterranean diet/lifestyle intervention to OSA standard care, i.e. CPAP prescription and brief written healthy lifestyle advice, has an incremental effect on improving OSA severity, over the effect of standard care alone. METHODS: We designed a parallel, randomized, controlled, superiority clinical trial. Eligible participants were adult, overweight men and women, diagnosed with moderate-to-severe OSA [apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)≥ 15 events/h] through an attended overnight polysomnography. Participants were blindly randomized to a standard care group (SCG, n = 65), a Mediterranean diet group (MDG, n = 62) or a Mediterranean lifestyle group (MLG, n = 60). All three study groups were prescribed with CPAP. The SCG additionally received written healthy lifestyle advice, while intervention arms were subjected to a 6-month behavioral intervention aiming at weight loss and increasing adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The MLG also received counselling on physical activity and sleep habits. Polysomnographic data and OSA symptoms were evaluated pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: A total of 187 OSA patients were recruited. Seven patients were excluded post-randomization and 53/180 (29%) were lost to follow-up. No harms from the interventions applied were reported. According to intention-to-treat analysis (n = 180), mean (95% confidence interval) AHI change was -4.2 (-7.4, -1.0) for the SCG, -24.7 (-30.4, -19.1) for the MDG and -27.3 (-33.9, -20.6) for the MLG. Post-intervention age-, sex-, baseline- and CPAP use-adjusted AHI was significantly lower in the MDG and the MLG compared to the SCG (mean difference: -18.0, and -21.2, respectively, both P < 0.001), and the differences remained significant after further adjustment for body-weight change (P = 0.004 and 0.008, respectively). Other respiratory event indices, daytime sleepiness and insomnia were also significantly lower in both intervention arms compared to the SCG (all P < 0.05). The MLG only presented higher percent rapid-eye-movement sleep and lower daytime sleepiness compared to the MDG (both P < 0.05). Results were similar in the per-protocol analysis (n = 127). CONCLUSIONS: A dietary/lifestyle intervention on top of standard care leads to greater improvements in OSA severity and symptomatology compared to standard care alone. Benefits are evident regardless of CPAP use and weight loss. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02515357, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02515357.

Adherence to the Mediterranean Lifestyle and Desired Body Weight Loss in a Mediterranean Adult Population with Overweight: A PREDIMED-Plus Study.

BACKGROUND: Body weight dissatisfaction is a hindrance to following a healthy lifestyle and it has been associated with weight concerns. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the association between the adherence to the Mediterranean lifestyle (diet and exercise) and the desired body weight loss in an adult Mediterranean population with overweight. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis in 6355 participants (3268 men; 3087 women) with metabolic syndrome and BMI (Body mass index) between 27.0 and 40.0 kg/m2 (55-75 years old) from the PREDIMED-Plus trial. Desired weight loss was the percentage of weight that participants wished to lose. It was categorized into four cut-offs of this percentage (Q1: <10%, n = 1495; Q2: 10-15%, n = 1804; Q3: <15-20%, n = 1470; Q4: ≥20%, n = 1589). Diet was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire and a 17-item Mediterranean diet questionnaire. Physical activity was assessed by the validated Minnesota-REGICOR and the validated Spanish version of the Nurses' Health Study questionnaire. RESULTS: Participants reporting higher percentages of desired weight loss (Q3 and Q4) were younger, had higher real and perceived BMI and were more likely to have abdominal obesity. Desired weight loss correlated inversely to physical activity (Q1: 2106 MET min/week; Q4: 1585 MET min/week. p < 0.001) and adherence to Mediterranean diet (Q1: 8.7; Q4: 8.3. p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In older Mediterranean individuals with weight excess, desired weight loss was inversely associated with Mediterranean lifestyle adherence. Deeply rooted aspects of the MedDiet remained similar across groups. Longitudinal research is advised to be able to establish causality.

Cardiometabolic Benefits of a Weight-Loss Mediterranean Diet/Lifestyle Intervention in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The "MIMOSA" Randomized Clinical Trial.

Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the first-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), its cardiometabolic benefits are questionable. Our aim was to explore whether the combination of a weight-loss Mediterranean diet/lifestyle intervention with OSA standard care leads to greater cardiometabolic improvements compared with standard care alone. We randomly assigned 187 adult, overweight, polysomnography-diagnosed moderate-to-severe OSA patients to a standard care group (SCG, n = 65), a Mediterranean diet group (MDG, n = 62) or a Mediterranean lifestyle group (MLG, n = 60). All three groups were prescribed with CPAP. Additionally, the SCG only received brief written healthy lifestyle advice, while intervention arms were subjected to a six-month weight-loss behavioral intervention based on the Mediterranean diet. The MLG also received guidance for improving physical activity and sleep habits. Glucose metabolism indices, blood lipids, liver enzymes and blood pressure improved only in intervention arms, and were significantly lower compared to the SCG post-intervention (all p < 0.05). The age-, sex-, baseline- and CPAP use-adjusted relative risk (95% confidence interval) of metabolic syndrome was 0.58 (0.34-0.99) for the MDG and 0.30 (0.17-0.52) for the MLG compared to the SCG. The MLG additionally presented a lower relative risk of metabolic syndrome compared to the MDG (0.52 (0.30-0.89)). After further adjustment for body-weight change, a lower relative risk of metabolic syndrome was still evident for the MLG compared to the SCG. In conclusion, although standard care alone does not improve OSA patients' cardiometabolic profile, its combination with a weight-loss Mediterranean diet/lifestyle intervention leads to significant cardiometabolic benefits.

From Mediterranean diet to Mediterranean lifestyle: a narrative review.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the recent scientific evidence regarding the wellness-promoting capacity of the Mediterranean lifestyle (ML), with a special focus on physical, social and environmental wellness. DESIGN: Narrative review of English-language publications in PubMed, Scopus and Embase, from 1 January 2010 to 31 October 2018. SETTING: Prospective cohort studies, interventional studies, meta-analyses and reviews of those investigating the effect of at least one component of the ML on wellness parameters. PARTICIPANTS: General population. RESULTS: Although an explicit definition of ML is missing, compliance with various combinations of its components improves metabolic health and protects against or ameliorates disease state. However, there is heterogeneity in the healthy behaviours that the ML-focused studies include in their design and the way these are assessed. Also, despite that features of the ML could contribute to other wellness dimensions, there are no studies exploring the effect this healthy lifestyle could confer to them. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic lifestyle diseases are of multifactorial aetiology and they warrant multifaceted approaches targeting the general way of living. ML, if thoroughly evaluated, can provide a valuable tool to holistically promote health and wellness.