Childhood Mediterranean Diet Compliance Is Associated with Lower Incidence of Childhood Obesity, Specific Sociodemographic, and Lifestyle Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study in Children Aged 6–9 Years

2024

Mediterranean Diet and Childhood Obesity

Sample size: 3875 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Jacovides Constantina, Pritsa Agathi, Chrysafi Maria, Papadopoulou Sousana K., Kapetanou Maria G., Lechouritis Eleftherios, Mato Martin, Papadopoulou Vasiliki G., Tsourouflis Gerasimos, Migdanis Athanasios, Sampani Anastasia, Kosti Rena I., Psara Evmorfia, Giaginis Constantinos, Vajro Pietro

Primary Institution: Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of the Environment, University of the Aegean

Hypothesis

Is childhood Mediterranean diet compliance associated with lower incidence of childhood obesity and specific sociodemographic and lifestyle factors?

Conclusion

Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet in children aged 6–9 years is linked to lower rates of obesity and is influenced by maternal education and breastfeeding practices.

Supporting Evidence

22.2% of children showed high Mediterranean diet compliance.
Children with higher maternal education had better diet adherence.
Exclusive breastfeeding for at least four months was linked to better diet compliance.
Children with lower diet adherence had higher rates of obesity.
Children living in rural areas had better diet compliance than those in urban areas.
Boys had higher diet compliance than girls.