Comparing Mediterranean diet versus low-fat diet for metabolic syndrome

In a recent study published in Human Nutrition & Metabolism, researchers assess the impact of the Mediterranean diet compared to a low-fat diet (LF-Diet) on metabolic syndromes (MetS) outcomes.

Study: Effects of the Mediterranean diet versus low-fat diet on metabolic syndrome outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Image Credit: Antonina Vlasova / Shutterstock.com

How are metabolic syndromes treated?

MetS are diagnosed when any three of the five conditions are present: hypertension, high triglycerides, high blood sugar, visceral obesity, and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. MetS are often treated with a combination of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions.

For the treatment of specific MetS disorders, current pharmacologic treatments are well-established. However, nonpharmacologic interventions lack uniformity and structure, despite their vital significance in MetS therapy and comorbidity prevention. Despite this, numerous studies have cited the Mediterranean diet as a viable dietary intervention for enhancing cardiovascular and metabolic health.

About the study

In the present study, researchers assess the efficacy of the Mediterranean diet and LF-Diet on metabolic aspects in non-Mediterranean populations who have or are at risk of developing MetS.

Criteria for inclusion into the study required that the study participants were non-pregnant individuals aged over 18 years from a…