Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Its Relationship to Metabolic Markers and Body Composition in Portuguese University Students

Author:

Lopes Sofia1,Fontes Tatiana1,Menezes Regina1ORCID,Rodrigues Luís Monteiro1ORCID,Ferreira-Pêgo Cíntia1ORCID

Affiliation:

1. CBIOS—Universidade Lusófona’s Research Center for Biosciences and Health Technologies, Av. Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal

Abstract

Background: Transitioning to university involves several changes, which might affect dietary habits. The present study aimed to assess the potential relationships involving adherence to the MedDiet, body composition, and metabolic markers within a Portuguese university sample. Methods: A cross-sectional study involved 70 participants, 52 women, and 18 men (23.00 ± 7.00 years old and a BMI of 21.99 ± 2.79 kg/m2). The average MedDiet adherence of participants was 9.23 points, as evaluated by the 14 point validated questionnaire, with classifications of low and high (under or over 9 points, respectively). Body composition was assessed using X-ray dual densitometry (DXA), and metabolic markers were collected from capillary blood. Results: Statistically significant differences in HDL cholesterol and the total/HDL cholesterol ratio were found between groups. Lower levels (p < 0.05) of visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), BMI, and waist circumference were found in the higher MedDiet adherence group. Those measures were negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with the adherence scores to the MedDiet. Conclusion: Higher adherence to MedDiet seemed to have a favorable and important impact on lipid profiles, primarily HDL-c. A positive relationship between MedDiet adherence and body composition distribution was also described, mostly due to the influence of higher adherence to MedDiet at lower levels of VAT and SAT in Portuguese university students.

Funder

CT—Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P.

COFAC/ILIND—Cooperativa De Formação e Animação Cultural CRL/Instituto Lusófono de Investigação e Desenvolvimento

FCT—Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P. (Portugal) Scientific Employment Stimulus contract

Publisher

MDPI AG

Subject

Food Science,Nutrition and Dietetics

Reference47 articles.

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