Mediterranean diet provides many benefits to overweight and obese seniors

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines overweight and obesity as excessive fat accumulations, posing health risks. A Spanish survey indicated a significant increase in obesity (from 7.4 % to 17.4%.) between 1987 and 2017. Interestingly, it was observed that obesity is more prevalent in men than in women who are below 65 years of age. However, beyond the age of 65, obesity in women outnumbered men.

Study: Effectiveness of a Two-Year Multicomponent Intervention for the Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Older People. Image Credit: Marian Weyo / Shutterstock

Background

Industrialization, food market globalization, economic development, and urbanization have substantially contributed to changes in the global population’s eating habits. Some of these changes have led to an increase in the choice of low-nutrition foods, such as refined, processed, and high-fat foods. High consumption of these foods and sedentary lifestyles cause obesity. Obesity is regularly associated with several chronic diseases, including type II diabetes, high blood pressure, the development of neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer.

Obesity is primarily found in older people. Due to an increase in life expectancy and a reduction in birth rate, globally, a surge in the older population has been reported. In Spain, the number of individuals above the age of 64 reached 9.28 million in 2020.

Suitable interventions based on proper diet and exercise can successfully promote weight…