Exploring the Sustainable Benefits of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy

Abstract

This study aimed to identify adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and its effect on health and environmental and socioeconomic sustainability during the COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of the Italian population. Notably, it intended to assess the effect of adherence to the MedDiet on ecological footprints and food expenditure. A survey was conducted from the 5th to the 24th of April 2020 on Google Forms. The MEDAS questionnaire was used to determine the level of adherence to the MedDiet. The carbon footprint (CO2), water footprint (H2O), and food cost were calculated. In total, 3353 participants completed the questionnaire, ranging from 18 to 86 years old. A statistically significant difference was observed in the CO2 and H2O among BMI groups (p < 0.001). The low- and medium-MEDAS groups showed higher CO2 (p < 0.001). The food cost (EUR/week) resulted in statistically significant differences among the MEDAS groups. The CO2 results were significantly lower in organic-market buyers compared to non-organic-market buyers (p < 0.001). Public health must promote awareness of how adhering to a healthy lifestyle and making appropriate food choices can positively impact our health and social and economic well-being.

Environmental Impact of Two Plant-Based, Isocaloric and Isoproteic Diets: The Vegan Diet vs. the Mediterranean Diet

“…Although the Mediterranean diet is still considered culturally acceptable, cheap, and healthy [39,40], the Vegan diet is becoming utmost popular.…”

Comparison of Weight Reduction, Change in Parameters and Safety of a Very Low Carbohydrate Diet in Comparison to a Low Carbohydrate Diet in Obese Japanese Subjects with Metabolic Disorders

“…The results showed that subjects experienced satisfaction in different domains, either satisfaction with the diet or a sense of accomplishment in the act of weight loss itself. One recent report suggests that high adherence to the Mediterranean diet is accompanied by economic and environmental benefits in addition to high health awareness among the subjects [ 22 ]. While dietary satisfaction may be important for high adherence to the diet [ 23 ], it is also possible that the resulting outcome of weight loss may foster high awareness of health and improve adherence.…”

Evaluation of the Relationship between Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviors with e-Healthy Diet Literacy and Nutrition Knowledge Level in Adults

“…Sürdürülebilir ve sağlıklı beslenme alışkanlıklarının kazandırılması için dijital sağlıklı beslenme okuryazarlığı vurgulanmalı ve dikkate alınmalıdır. Sürdürülebilir beslenme, tüm beslenme sisteminin sürdürülebilirliğine katkıda bulunan sağlıklı besinlerden oluşmaktadır ve aynı zamanda bireylerin yeterli, dengeli, güvenli ve beslenmesine katkıda bulunmaktadır [37]. Bu nedenle, sürdürülebilir ve sağlıklı beslenmenin teşvik edilmesi toplumda obezitenin önlenmesini ve kontrolünü destekleyebilir [38].…”