Lower Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with High Adiposity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Results from the Longevity Check-Up (Lookup) 7+Project

High adiposity impacts health and quality of life in old age, owing to its association with multimorbidity, decreased physical performance, and frailty. Whether a high adherence to a Mediterranean diet (Medi-Diet) is associated with reduced body adiposity in older adults is unclear. The present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of high adiposity in a large sample of community-dwelling older adults. We also explored the relationship between whole-body adiposity estimated through relative fat mass (RFM) and Medi-Diet adherence. Data were obtained from the Longevity Check-up 7+ (Lookup7+) project database. RFM was estimated from anthropometric and personal parameters using a validated equation. RFM was categorized as high if >= 40% in women and >= 30% in men. Information on diet was collected using a food frequency questionnaire, while Medi-Diet adherence was assessed through a modified version of the Medi-Lite scoring system. Analyses were conducted in 2092 participants (mean age 73.1 +/- 5.9 years; 53.4% women). Mean RFM was 39.6 +/- 5.14% in women and 29.0 +/- 3.6% in men. High adiposity was found in 971 (46.4%) participants and was more frequent in those with a low (54.2%) or moderate (46.4%) Medi-Diet adherence compared with the high-adherence group (39.7%, p < 0.001). Logistic regression indicated that older adults with high Medi-Diet adherence were less likely to have a high RFM. Other factors associated with a greater risk of having high adiposity were older age, female sex, and physical inactivity. Our findings support an association between healthy lifestyles, including a greater adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet, and lower body adiposity in older adults.

Automated summary

This study investigated the prevalence of high adiposity and its relationship with Mediterranean diet adherence in older adults. The results showed that low and moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a higher risk of high adiposity, while high adherence was associated with a lower risk. Other factors associated with high adiposity risk were age, gender, and physical inactivity.