Mediterranean diet, cardiovascular disease and obesity - A review of epidemiologic and clinical evidences

Adherence to a Mediterranean type of diet has long been associated with longevity and a better health status. However, there are a limited number of studies looking at the effects of the Mediterranean Diet on end points or risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. One of these risk markers, i.e., obesity, has rarely been evaluated in relation to the level of adherence to this traditional dietary pattern, and when assessed the results were not consistent. In this work, we performed a current review in the literature regarding the association between Mediterranean diet and obesity, based on all available data from observational and clinical studies. The association of this traditional dietary pattern with obesity indices seems controversial. Some studies suggest an inverse relationship, while others failed to show any association. Nevertheless, adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern does not seem to confer to weight gain, and could be strongly suggested as a public health measure for better health, including weight control.