The Mediterranean Lifestyle – Diet Is Not the Only Factor Reducing Mortality Risk!

Following a Mediterranean lifestyle, rather than only a Mediterranean diet, was found to reduce the risk of all-cause and cancer-related mortality.

The Mediterranean lifestyle is regarded worldwide as one of the keys to a healthy life. Until now, however, its effects on serious diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease have not been adequately studied, with greater emphasis placed on the Mediterranean diet. A new study shows that adherence to a Mediterranean lifestyle may reduce all-cause and cancer-related mortality risk. This is an important finding for both healthcare professionals and the general public.

The current study was published on 16 August 2023 in Mayo Clinic Proceedings by Maroto-Rodriguez and colleagues.

Background to the Study

The Mediterranean lifestyle includes:

• A diet rich in fruit, vegetables and whole grains;
• Low consumption of salt and sugar;
• Adequate physical activity,
• Rest and
• Socialising.

Previous studies have demonstrated the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle, but little research has been conducted outside the region where this diet originated.

Study Methods and Findings

Using the Mediterranean Lifestyle (MEDLIFE) index, researchers analysed the habits and health outcomes of people aged 40-75, a total of 110,799 people. The study was conducted in the United Kingdom using UK Biobank data.

The MEDLIFE index provides information about people's:

1. Mediterranean food consumption;
2. Mediterranean dietary habits; and
3. Physical activity, rest and social habits, and conviviality.

Higher total scores indicate greater adherence to a Mediterranean lifestyle.

• Over 9 years of follow-up, a total of 4,247 patients died from all causes, 2,401 from cancer and 731 from cardiovascular disease.
• Patients with higher MEDLIFE scores were found to have a 29% lower risk of all-cause mortality and a 28% lower risk of cancer-related mortality than those with lower scores.

Conclusion

This study shows that the Mediterranean lifestyle is not exclusive to the Mediterranean region and can also be applied in different cultural contexts. In other words, the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle can be considered a universal health model. The study demonstrates that adapting to this diet and lifestyle using local products and resources may reduce all-cause and cancer-related mortality risk.

This finding emphasises that the Mediterranean lifestyle is not simply a diet but also encompasses other aspects of life, such as physical activity, rest and social interaction. It can therefore be regarded as a universal guide to health and applied in different cultural contexts.