A diet that effectively reduces dangerous belly fat

A recent study published in JAMA has found that a weight-loss lifestyle intervention, featuring an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet and increased physical activity, significantly reduces total and visceral fat while boosting total lean mass in older adults with overweight or obesity and metabolic syndrome.

The PREDIMED-Plus trial, conducted in 23 research centers across Spain, focuses on cardiovascular disease prevention and involves individuals aged 55 to 75 years with a body mass index (BMI) ranging from 27 to 40 and metabolic syndrome. In this interim analysis, conducted between February and November 2022, researchers zoomed in on body composition changes after a 3-year follow-up. Of the 6,874 total participants, 1,521 individuals, coming from centers equipped with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry devices, underwent detailed body composition assessments.

The participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the intervention arm or the control group. The intervention group followed an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and engaged in increased physical activity (PA), while the control group received advice to follow an ad libitum MedDiet with no emphasis on physical activity.

Participants in the intervention arm exhibited significant reductions in the percentage of total fat and visceral fat storage, with the greatest changes observed after one year. Total lean mass, on the other hand, increased in this group, particularly during the first year of the intervention.

Reference: Konieczna J, Ruiz-Canela M, Galmes-Panades AM, et al. An Energy-Reduced Mediterranean Diet, Physical Activity, and Body Composition: An Interim Subgroup Analysis of the PREDIMED-Plus Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(10):e2337994. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.37994