(MSN) The Mediterranean diet could be the key to blasting belly fat.
A new study from the Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea-Plus (PREDIMED-Plus) revealed that the Mediterranean diet, partnered with physical activity, can counter aging-related body changes suchh as fat gain and loss of muscle mass.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open on Oct. 18, was designed to determine whether the diet could prevent cardiovascular disease — but in the meantime, a subgroup was evaluated to measure the impact on body composition after a three-year period.
The results showed that an energy-reduced (lower-calorie) Mediterranean diet and increased physical activity appeared to reduce aging-related weight gain and muscle loss.
A total of 1,521 middle-aged and older participants, who were either overweight or had obesity and metabolic syndrome, were separated into two groups.
The study author explained that people in Mediterranean countries incorporate vegetables into every meal. iStock© iStock
The first group followed a Mediterranean diet while reducing their calorie intake by 30% and increasing their physical activity.
The second group followed a Mediterranean diet without calorie restrictions or changes in physical activity.
The participants in the first group experienced “clinically meaningful” changes in body composition throughout the three-year experiment, according to the researchers.
This included a 5% or greater improvement in fat mass, visceral (belly) fat mass and loss of lean muscle mass after only one year of following the diet.
Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.
The study revealed that an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet and increased physical activity can reduce fat gained with aging. iStock© iStock
Nutritionist and registered dietitian Ilana Muhlstein, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital that the Mediterranean diet has been “touted for many years as the healthiest diet in the world.”
She added, “And while that may be true, it is extremely arbitrary advice for a health professional to give to an average person.”
The diet encompasses a “broad array of advice” beyond just emphasizing whole foods, Muhlstein said.
The “great aspects” of the diet include beans, legumes, whole grains, healthy fats, seeds, nuts and fish-centered entrées, the nutritionist said.
Foods with high levels of Omega-3 fats include salmon, sardines, avocado, extra virgin olive oil, and various nuts and seeds. iStock© iStock
An energy-reduced Mediterranean diet differs from the original by incorporating more protein, having less added sugars and containing higher volumes of fresh vegetables or fruit instead of dried fruit.
“Yet the healthiest part of the Mediterranean diet that so many Americans overlook is the absolute obsession with veggies and fresh herbs,” Muhlstein said.
“These high-volume, nutrient-dense, low-calorie ingredients are the heart and soul of the true Mediterranean diet that sadly get dismissed.”
Countries that have a “much better cardiovascular health status compared to America,” like Israel or Greece, have an “abundance” of vegetables present at every meal, according to the dietitian.
Participants saw a 5% or greater improvement in fat mass, visceral (belly) fat mass and total lean mass after only one year of following the diet. iStock© iStock
