“I may not make wine with all of my grapes, but when I do, it’s red wine. Don’t give it to children.”
Overweight and obesity are increasing in U.S. adolescents, which may hamper their health as adults. In fact, some experts predict that we will see a decrease in average life expectancy because of lifelong excess weight.
Youths who follow a Mediterranean diet pattern don’t see as much increase in body mass index as others.
From the International Journal of Obesity:
“Among adults, the Mediterranean dietary pattern (MDP) is inversely related to body mass index (BMI) [i.e., as the Mediterranean diet is followed more closely, we see less increase in body weight.]. Data are lacking on adherence to the MDP among youth in the United States and whether the MDP is related to weight change in that group.”
Now we have some data, and it looks good for the Mediterranean diet.
In other words, if you want to keep your kid from getting fat, the Mediterranean diet will help. Fo you adults, the Low-Carb Mediterranean Diet also helps control diabetes.
Steve Parker, M.D.
Front cover of book
Diabetic Mediterranean Diet 