A groundbreaking Spanish study has given renewed hope to the fight against abdominal obesity, particularly for older adults. Dora Romaguera of the Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands led the study of nearly 1,500 middle-aged and older people with overweight, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, a precursor to diabetes and heart disease. Participants were divided into two groups: one following the Mediterranean diet with a 30% reduction in calorie intake and a boost in physical activity, and another sticking strictly to the diet without additional interventions.
The findings were striking.
Those who combined the Mediterranean diet with calorie restriction and regular exercise, such as walking 45 minutes daily and strength training, showed significant reductions in abdominal and overall body fat. Impressively, these benefits persisted over a three-year period. In contrast, the group adhering only to the diet without altering their calorie consumption or exercise routines saw no notable change in belly fat.
Participants who followed the multi-pronged approach of diet, reduced calorie intake, and exercise not only lost more fat but also managed to retain more muscle mass compared to those in the diet-only group.
The study, which aims to extend over eight years, is already providing insights into the long-term efficacy of this method in reducing heart attack and stroke risks.
Experts like Cewin Chao from the Montefiore Health System and retired nutrition professor Marion Nestle have lauded the study. They underscore the importance of combining a high-quality diet with exercise and caloric reduction for effective fat loss, especially the perilous fat surrounding abdominal organs.
This research reaffirms that adopting a holistic lifestyle change encompassing diet, exercise, and mindful eating can lead to significant, lasting health benefits, particularly in older adults.
