Original Article
International Journal of Obesity (2006) 30, 350–358. doi:10.1038/sj.ijo.0803118; published online 11 October 2005
Adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern and weight gain in a follow-up study: the SUN cohort
A Sánchez-Villegas1,2, M Bes-Rastrollo2, M A Martínez-González2 and L Serra-Majem1
- 1Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
- 2Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Navarra, Navarra, Spain
Correspondence: Dr A Sánchez-Villegas, Department of Clinical Sciences, Center for Health Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, PO Box 550, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas 35080, Spain. E-mail: asanchez@dcc.ulpgc.es
Received 22 March 2005; Revised 24 June 2005; Accepted 20 July 2005; Published online 11 October 2005.
Abstract
Introduction:
The promotion of Mediterranean Diets has generated some doubts, because of the concern that its high fat content might lead to the development of obesity.
Methods:
Longitudinal analysis of 6319 participants in the SUN cohort study. We used a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (136 items). Baseline adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern (MDP) was assessed using a score (score_1) including vegetables, fruits, cereals, nuts, pulses, fish, olive oil and moderate consumption of red wine (positively weighted), whereas meat and dairy products were negatively weighted. We assessed the association between the overall baseline adherence to the MDP (score_1) and subsequent weight change after 28 months of follow-up. We also built another score (score_2) to assess changes in diet during follow-up and appraised the association between the joint exposure to both scores and weight change during follow-up.
Results:
Participants in the first quartile of score_1 (lowest baseline adherence to MDP) showed a higher weight gain (+0.73 kg) than those in the top quartile (+0.45 kg). The results indicated an inverse dose–response relationship (P for trend=0.016). A similar inverse association was apparent when we used change in adherence to the MDP (score_2). However, both inverse associations did not remain statistically significant after adjusting for relevant confounders. Consumption of dairy products was inversely associated with weight gain.
Conclusions:
Although participants increased their average weight during the follow-up period, weight increments were smaller among those with a higher adherence to an 'a priori' defined MDP. Results did not remain statistically significant after multivariate adjustment.
Keywords:
Mediterranean dietary pattern, olive oil, overweight, weight gain, cohort study
MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS
These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated
REVIEWS
Dietary antioxidants in inflammatory arthritis: do they have any role in etiology or therapy?
Nature Clinical Practice Rheumatology Review (01 Nov 2008)
Dietary antioxidants in inflammatory arthritis: do they have any role in etiology or therapy?
Nature Clinical Practice Rheumatology Review (01 Nov 2008)
RESEARCH
International Journal of Obesity Original Article
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition Original Article
Dietary factors in erectile dysfunction
International Journal of Impotence Research Original Article
