Mediterranean diet programmes with exercise changed body measurements in chronic disease trials
In adults with chronic disease, Mediterranean diet programmes combined with exercise improved several body measurements compared with controls. Diet-only programmes showed no statistically significant changes in the measured body composition outcomes.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Programmes combining a Mediterranean diet with exercise reduced weight, waist circumference and body fat compared with controls. Diet-only programmes did not show statistically significant changes in body composition. These separate comparisons do not establish that adding exercise was superior to diet alone. The review measured body composition, without establishing benefits for disease symptoms or clinical events.
The abstract does not give trial durations, describe control conditions or provide confidence intervals for pooled effects. Its absolute-change estimates were calculated using variability figures from other literature.
Different programme types were grouped separately
The review examined programmes with and without exercise and with and without calorie restriction. A combined result across all programmes therefore describes a mixture of interventions, rather than the effect of the diet alone.
The statistical results need careful interpretation
Reported effects used standardized differences, which express changes relative to measurement variability. They are not kilograms, centimetres or percentage benefits. A nonsignificant diet-only result leaves uncertainty about an effect; it does not prove no effect.
The original publication
The effects of Mediterranean diet with and without exercise on body composition in adults with chronic disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.
Sood S, Sylivris AL, Sualeheen A et al.
Clin Nutr · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40614654
- Record checked
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