Mediterranean Diet Influence on Health Outcomes in Youth
Summary
The Mediterranean dietary pattern encompasses high consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and olive oil, moderate fish and dairy intake, and low consumption of red meat and ultra-processed foods. Among children and adolescents, adherence to this regimen has been associated with improved body composition, reduced incidence of overweight and obesity, and more favourable lipid and glucose profiles. Emerging evidence also highlights benefits for mental health domains such as anxiety and self-concept, as well as potential contributions to optimal linear growth. Beyond direct health effects, pro-Mediterranean patterns align with sustainable food systems by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Interventions promoting Mediterranean principles, delivered through nutritional education and lifestyle counselling, have demonstrated efficacy in reducing body mass index, waist circumference and markers of metabolic risk. At a population level, however, trends indicate suboptimal adherence in many regions, calling for targeted policy measures and school-based programmes. The global significance of this diet stems from its dual role in preventing non-communicable diseases and mitigating environmental impact, offering a practical framework for public health strategies aimed at youth.
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Technical terms
Anthropometric measures: Quantitative metrics of body size, composition and proportions such as body mass index and waist circumference.
Polyphenols: Bioactive plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in fruits, vegetables, nuts and olive oil.
KIDMED index: A validated questionnaire-based scoring system to evaluate adherence to the Mediterranean diet in children and adolescents.
Randomised controlled trial: A study design in which participants are randomly allocated to intervention or control groups to assess causal effects of dietary or other interventions.
References
- Mediterranean Diet-Based Interventions to Improve Anthropometric and Obesity Indicators in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Advances in Nutrition (2023).
- Examining the relationship between the environmental impact of diet and child growth from a co-benefit perspective. Environmental Research (2024).
- Serum from Adolescents with High Polyphenol Intake Exhibits Improved Lipid Profile and Prevents Lipid Accumulation in HepG2 Human Liver Cells. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity (2023).
- Mediterranean diet adherence on self-concept and anxiety as a function of weekly physical activity: an explanatory model in higher education. Frontiers in Nutrition (2023).
- Trends in Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Spanish Children and Adolescents across Two Decades. Nutrients (2023).
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